At OrthoRehab Specialists, we have a number of different tools in our arsenal to help you achieve the results you seek from physical therapy. One such therapy technique is called blood flow restriction therapy. As the name implies, this treatment involves intentionally restricting blood flow to specific areas of your body.
Since blood brings essential oxygen and nutrients to different regions, it naturally seems like restricting healthy blood flow to a targeted area would have the opposite effect on your rehabilitative outcomes. So why are more patients and physical therapy providers turning to blood flow restriction to help address different physical issues? In today’s blog, we explain why less is more when it comes to blood flow restriction therapy.
Getting The Most Out Of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Before we share why more clients and providers are turning to blood flow restriction therapy, let’s explain how the technique is performed. During a BFR session, your physical therapist will attach inflatable cuffs to specific muscle groups. These cuffs are then inflated to inhibit normal blood flow to these muscle groups. This action puts the muscle into a state of metabolic stress, where it is struggling to get the oxygen it needs to perform optimally.
You have likely experienced this sensation before during a grueling workout or at the end stages of a long run. Your legs feel heavy, your lungs are on fire and your body is trying to tell you that it’s struggling to push oxygen into the muscles that are actively being stressed. It’s not a fun position to be in, but it can actually kickstart an important process.
When your body is under metabolic stress, it tries to find ways to address this uncomfortable state. If your brain can’t convince your body to stop moving, the stress will end up triggering your body’s growth hormone response. Essentially, your body is trying harder to strengthen muscles so that the muscles are more capable of handling stress or maintaining function during adverse conditions. Your body has gone from flight mode – “please stop this stressful activity” – to fight mode – “If you’re not going to stop, let’s help the muscles adapt to the stress.” Are you starting to understand how blood flow restriction therapy can actually be helpful?
As we mentioned in the blog title, blood flow restriction allows therapists to do less with more. For example:
- Triggers Muscle Growth Hormone Without Intense Exercise – You can experience the benefits of intense exercise without having to push your body to the physical limit. Blood flow restriction helps to trigger muscle growth hormone production by simulating intense exercise.
- Reduced Weights – Let’s say you’re trying to build muscle in your arms. You can restrict blood flow and trigger muscle growth hormone production without having to lift heavier weights because the blood flow restriction is providing artificial metabolic stress.
- Decreased Stress On Joints – By using lighter weights or pursuing less intense exercise, you can help to protect the health of your joints, which can be especially helpful if you are dealing with a condition like arthritis.
Let us show you how we can do less with more through blood flow restriction therapy! For more information about the technique, or for assistance overcoming a different physical limitation, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
- 4 Ways Older Adults Can Stay Motivated To Exercise Regularly - May 14, 2025
- 5 Future Problems Physical Therapy Can Prevent Today - May 12, 2025
- How Physical Therapy Can Help With Constipation And Bathroom Issues - May 7, 2025
