Blood flow restricted (BFR) training is the brief and intermittent occlusion of venous blood flow using a tourniquet in conjunction with exercise. Using this technique, you can exercise with significantly lighter weight while still creating a hypertrophy (growth) and strength response. Traditionally, stimulating a growth and strength response required a heavy load.
BFR is available at our NX Level - Wauwatosa location.
How BFR Training Works
The goal of BFR is to reduce blood flow to stimulate stress and create positive change while using less resistance than typically required. The amount of pressure used varies between individuals and depends on the size of the patient’s limb, density of soft tissue, blood pressure, and tourniquet placement and width.
What to Expect in BFR Training
The certified clinician will utilize a specialized tourniquet system with built in Doppler monitor to account for these variables. Restricting blood flow causes lactate accumulation, stressing the body and increasing release of growth hormone and other anabolic factors, promoting muscle protein synthesis.
Adverse effects are rare, the most common of which are residual swelling, muscle fatigue, and muscle soreness. These effects are transient and usually resolve within 24 hours. If the patient has prolonged swelling, fatigue, or soreness they should discuss symptoms with the certified physician.
We offer BFR in conjunction with our physical therapy and athletic training program at our Watertown Plank location. For maximal results it is performed twice a week for a minimum of 4 weeks.
