Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) involves the application of a pneumatic tourniquet cuff to the upper portion of the arm or leg while you perform targeted excercises. This partial restriction of arterial blood flow and venous return, creates a hypoxic environment in the tissues that induces many physiologic adaptations. Essentially, BFRT "tricks" your body to believe it is working harder than it actually is. By using BFRT we can use low-load resistance training, while protecting the vulnerable area, but still train the surrounding muscles safely.
BFRT is useful in rehabilitation because it allows increased production of muscular tissue and strength gains without the need for heavy-load exercises that are contraindicated after surgery or after an injury that presents with swelling and/or pain in the involved tissue(s).
Older deconditioned people, especially those with ARTHRITIS can also benefit! It is great for getting the muscles around arthritic hips or knees strong, but without causing joint pain. BFRT gets great muscle training benefits at low loads, while minimizing the irritation of your arthritic joint. Even just wearing the cuff at low pressure without exercise can be of benefit to those of very low strength or currently unable to move.
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