Blood Flow Restriction Therapy in Jamie’s words Jamie Arola, PT, DPT
What is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy? Blood Flow RestrictionTherapy (BFR) is a relatively new form of exercise that includes reducing blood flow to the arm or leg to make the muscles work harder, which in turn increases or maintains muscle and strength with less risk of injury. This method was discovered and modified by the military with hopes of assisting amputee patients maintain limb strength, while they waited for their prosthetic to be created. Recently, the military has allowed the general public to utilize this strength method after noting the significant strength increases it provided. How does it work? Tobegin,acuff iswrappedaroundeither theupper thighor theupperarm. The machine will measure howmuch pressure is needed to occlude the artery and block the venous return. The calculation is completed (80% for the upper extremity and 50% for the lower extremity) and exercising begins with the cuff remaining in place. Who could benefit? Almost everyone! The most common patients currently using the BFR machine at Achieve, are patients who have had knee pain for years and know they could prevent surgery if they were able to increase their muscle strength but aren’t able to perform exercises on their knee joint. BFR assists the patient in completing exercises that will increase the muscle strength but not increase the inflammation/pain in the joint because the patient does not have to apply any weight. If interested in this, I encourage you to contact one of our certified physical therapists to see if it is right for you. Achieve Therapy currently has two Blood Flow Restriction Machines at the following clinic locations: Demers Ave. (located within Valley Bone and Joint) and 32nd Ave (located within Turning Point). Physical Therapists certified in Blood Flow Restriction Therapy/Training are:
How BFR can pump up your exercise routine Jeff Barta, ATC, CSCS The use of Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is not only limited to use in the clinic. It can also be used to supercharge your current exercise program and accelerate your gains.These gains are not limited to growth in muscle size and strength, however. Studies have shown that BFR can be used to produce aerobic and cardiovascular gains as well. The greatest appeal of BFR is the ability to produce positive change with low load exercise versus high load exercise. What does thatmean?Standardstrength trainingmethodsnormallycall for individuals to lift weights that are 65-85% of their 1 repetition maximum (1 RM). With BFR, loads can be as low as 20% of 1 RM and produce the same results. So as an example, if you had a 1 RM of 100lbs for an exercise, with traditional strength training you would use a minimum weight of 65 lbs. With BFR, you can reduce that load to 20 lbs. thereby reducing the load on the muscles and joints. This will produce quicker recovery and less stress to the joints. In a nutshell, BFR training can be used in any situation where the goal is to increase muscle size and strength or to improve aerobic capacity. Whether it is an aspiring athlete or a senior citizen, BFR training can be customized to produce the results they need to achieve their goals. Whether you are seeking gains in muscle size, muscle strength or cardiorespiratory endurance, BFR may be your ticket to a more efficient and effective exercise routine.To set up your BFR consultation, or if you just want to learn more about BFR, contact Jeff at 701-757-1322 or via email at jbarta@achieve-therapy. com and schedule your consultation today!
DEMERS AVENUE: Jamie Arola, PT, DPT Laurie Holte PT, MPT
TURNING POINT: Tom Carson, PT, DPT Jeff Barta, ATC, CSCS
www.achieve-therapy.com
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