Ever feel like your recovery or rehab is taking longer than you’d like? Or maybe you’re looking for ways to boost your fitness without always pushing your body to its absolute limit? Well, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for!
Now, don’t let the name scare you. BFR might sound a bit intense, but it’s actually a clever technique that involves applying gentle pressure to your upper or lower limbs using specialised cuffs or straps during exercise. Think of it like a tourniquet, but much lighter and specifically designed for training. This partially restricts blood flow to and from your muscles, which has some fantastic benefits.
One of the best things about BFR is that it allows you to achieve results comparable to high-intensity training using much lighter loads! This is fantastic news if you’re in rehab and can’t lift heavy weights due to pain or injury. Using loads as light as 30% of your maximum can still help you increase muscle size and strength, meaning you can start loading injured areas earlier and have a smoother recovery. We can even start hypertrophy-focused work much sooner after soft tissue injuries – sometimes within the first 10 days! Plus, BFR can even help reduce joint swelling and pain compared to high-load activities.
But BFR isn’t just for rehab! It can also be a great tool for recovery. Applying BFR while resting after a tough workout can help your muscles recover faster and reduce that dreaded post-exercise soreness (DOMS). Some athletes even report feeling more energised after using BFR for recovery.
And guess what? BFR can even be used before exercise to help manage pain and improve performance! It can temporarily reduce pain, giving you more confidence to move better. Imagine being able to work through a greater range of motion with less discomfort!
In clinic, your safety is our top priority. We are trained in the safe and effective application of BFR and will always screen you to ensure it’s appropriate for you. There are some instances when you should not use BFR, so make sure you check with a health professional before starting. We use specialised equipment that is safe and won’t fully block your blood flow.
So, if you’re looking to accelerate your recovery, build strength with lighter weights, reduce pain, or even enhance your performance, BFR training might be the perfect addition to your physiotherapy plan.
Key Benefits of BFR:
• Boosts muscle strength and size with low loads
• Accelerates rehabilitation and return to activity
• Reduces joint swelling and pain
• Enhances recovery and reduces muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Can help manage pain before exercise
Ready to learn more and see if BFR training can help you reach your goals? Give us a call at 01206 616989 or book an appointment online to chat with one of our physiotherapists. We’re excited to help you feel your best!