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BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION
ELEVATING YOUR RECOVERY WITH BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION
At Voltex Physical Therapy, we prioritize your rehabilitation journey by employing the latest evidence based techniques designed to optimize your recovery. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) has become a powerful tool to improve muscle strength, size and aerobic capacity in a shorter amount of time in comparison with typical strength training. This method proven to enhance rehabilitation outcomes to return to prior level of function and enhance performance.
Understanding Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
The principles of Blood Flow Restriction are simple with numerous application by safely restricting blood flow to specific muscles during exercise. The technique uses a low intensity resistance and effectively “tricks” the brain and body to think its performing at high intensity by intermittently occluding arterial and venous blood flow with a tourniquet to the upper or lower extremity. By precisely controlling blood flow, we can maximize the benefits of your therapy sessions, accelerating your recovery process.
Who Can Benefit from Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation?
There is a wide range of BFR applications that helps with the diverse needs of our patients. BFR Therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals that are in need of:
- Preserve muscle mass and strength during forced inactivity (prolong bedrest, casting, long covid)
- Improve bone density and function (after a bone density scan)
- Increase muscle size and strength post orthopedic injuries and surgeries
- Improve aerobic capacity (after prolong covid, post surgery or post acute event)
- Improve recovery
- Reduce pain level (reducing muscle imbalances)
At Voltex Physical Therapy, we utilize BFR to help patients of all ages and athletic backgrounds to achieve their performance goals.
How Does Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation Really Works?
There are over 900+ articles published on the physiology of BFR over the last 10 years. BFR produces two main efects, local muscle adaptation (distal to the cuff) and systemic adaptations (proximal to the cuff).
At the local muscle adaptation level include cell swelling due to drop in O2 and increase in the build-up of metabolites increasing muscle excitability that leads into fatigue. This causes increase in statellite cell proliferation.
Systemic adaptations include cardiovascular adaptations, increase sympathetic nervours sytem activity and decrease parasympathercis nerve activity, enhance capillary and bone growth factors due to hypoxic environment, increase in tissue repair due to homone cascade release, analgesia post BFR treatment and increase in Muscle protein synthesis appears to play a crucial role in the effectiveness of this technique.
At Voltex Physical Therapy, we follow specific evidence based protocols outlined by research performed on BFR over the last 10 years. Dr. Hector Tricas customizes each treatment plan is customized to suit your unique needs, ensuring safety and optimizing recovery outcomes.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During: Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, with some experiencing a brief, tolerable sensation akin to a small electric shock or muscle cramp.
Post-treatment: Most patients report soreness right after your session or later in the day, this typically lasts 24-48 hours. The type of soreness might feel like you had an intense workout at the gym.
Recommendations Post-treatment: We recommend you to continue exercising (take things a little easier), go for a long walk, massage the area, use a heating pad, and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (if you’re very sore).
Experience the Difference with Voltex Physical Therapy
Dr. Hector Tricas is committed to excellence, combined with innovative techniques like Blood Flow Restriction. Explore the benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) at Voltex Physical Therapy and return to do what you love without pain!
Contact us today (512) 200-4067 to schedule your FREE 15-min consultation.