As a physical therapy group, our world revolves around helping people improve their function and regain strength after an injury or surgery. We also help athletes become more efficient and powerful in their chosen sport. One tool in our ever-expanding tool belt is blood flow restriction training, also known as BFR training. We sat down with Dr. Chris McKenzie to learn more about this innovative solution that can be a game changer for building strength with lighter loads. 

What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training? 

blood flow restriction training in philadelphia PA

“Blood flow restriction training is a strength-building method that uses special cuffs to temporarily and safely reduce blood flow to a targeted body part, typically an arm or a leg,” explains Dr. McKenzie. “These cuffs are designed to occlude almost fully the venous blood going out of the target area while still allowing arterial blood flow in. This creates an anabolic effect in that area, leading to more muscle growth.”

The magic of BFR training lies in its ability to stimulate significant muscle growth and strength gains with much lower loads than traditional resistance training. This means you can achieve impressive results without putting excessive stress on your joints or healing tissues, which is critical after an injury or surgery.

Who Can Blood Flow Restriction Training Help? 

BFR training is a versatile treatment that can be used by a wide range of people. In the clinic, Dr. McKenzie and his team of physical therapists use it on anyone who can safely benefit from the added boost it provides in one’s recovery or strength training program.

“It is particularly beneficial after surgery or when rehabbing an injury,” said Dr. McKenzie. “When a person’s muscles cannot handle a high load due to pain or healing, BFR training allows them to get more out of their muscle without the heavy load, accelerating recovery and preventing muscle atrophy.” 

Beyond post-surgical rehab, BFR training can be a game changer for: 

  • People with chronic pain who want to strengthen but can’t because their pain is exacerbated by lifting heavy weights,
  • People who have plateaued in their strength training, 
  • People who want to lift but don’t want to lift a lot of weight.

How does BFR Training Work?

Typical weight training involves lifting higher loads with fewer repetitions. As you progress, you add more weight but not reps. With BFR training, it is the exact opposite. Less weight is used with more repetitions. By restricting blood flow, you can enjoy faster gains with less weight. 

“We use special cuffs that connect to a smartphone app. Each patient adds the app to their phone, which saves their specific settings for each use,” Dr. McKenzie explains. 

This personalized approach ensures the cuffs are applied correctly and safely, with the appropriate amount of occlusion for optimal results.

BFR Training Isn’t for Everyone

BFR cuffs are designed to be very user-friendly and safe, and can even be purchased online. However, there are risks to certain populations. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial before beginning BFR training. 

“Before starting BFR training, we require patients to fill out a health questionnaire to ensure they don’t have any health issues that will prevent it from being helpful, such as high blood pressure,” said Dr. McKenzie. 

Time is of the essence, too. 

For post-surgical patients, it is essential to wait until they have received clearance from their surgeon before beginning. Your physical therapist will be in contact with your surgeon to ensure they are on board with the use of BFR.

What Body Parts and Conditions Can be Treated with Blood Flow Restriction Training? 

deadlift with blood flow restriction training in philadelphia PA

If you look online, you will see BFR cuffs for various body parts, indicating that they are highly adaptable. At McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy, we have cuffs that fit both arms and legs, allowing us to target a wide range of muscle groups and injuries. 

Some common uses at our office include:

If you are curious about BFR training, we recommend consulting with your physical therapist to determine if it is right for you. We love introducing patients to innovative therapies to help them get the most out of their time with us. BFR training is a perfect example, and we’d love to introduce it to you if you’re open to it.