Blood Flow Restriction Training at Endeavor Physical Therapy. What is it and why do we do use it?
- Elizabeth Lauten
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
What is Blood Flow Restriction?
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is a research based game-changing technique for athletes, rehab patients, & anyone looking to maximize strength & recovery. BFRT uses specialized tourniquets to partially restrict blood flow during exercise. This creates a hypoxic environment that stimulates muscle adaptation while using significantly lighter weights.
Blood Flow Restriction was originally developed in Japan in the 1960s and 1970s and involved using tubing to impede blood flow. Our tools have come along way since then.
When is BFR beneficial?
We use BFR during periods of forced rest (after surgery, during immobilization) to matain muscle mass and increase muscle fiber activation. We use BFR for rehab when people are unable to lift a heavy load due to pain. You will get a similar stimulus to lifting a heavy load with a much lighter load with BFR. We use BFR to optimize performance and recovery for athletes.
What BFR tools are used at Endeavor PT?
We use high quality electronic cuffs, SmartCuffs 4.0 from Smart Tools. You can read more about them here: https://www.smarttoolsplus.com/products/smartcuffs-4-0-clinical-set
What are the Benefits of BFR?
Muscle and Strength Gains
Promotes hypertrophy comparable to heavy resistance training while using only 20-30% of one-rep max.
Enhances muscle fiber recruitment & protein synthesis, leading to increased strength, & endurance.
Elevates growth hormone and other anabolic responses, supporting muscle repair, adaptation, & overall muscle development.
Atrophy Prevention and Recovery
Retains muscle size & function during periods of forced rest due to injury, surgery, or immobilization.
Reduces post-exercise muscle damage, making it ideal for athletes in-season or individuals recovering from injury.
Can decrease pain associated with traditional strength training, making it more accessible for diverse populations.
Cardiovascular Health and Performance
Improves heart rate, cardiac output, & blood flow adaptations.
Improved aerobic capacity with lower-impact training.
Enhances circulation & endurance without the high mechanical stress of traditional cardiovascular training.
Athletic Performance Enhancement
Athletes in Competitive Seasons – Limits exercise-induced muscle damage while maintaining strength & endurance.
Rehabilitation & Post-Surgery Recovery – Prevents muscle loss and facilitates faster return to activity.
Aging Populations & Low-Tolerance Individuals – Allows for strength improvements without heavy loading on joints & tendons.
Endurance & Strength Athletes – Improves muscular endurance, allowing for better performance without excessive fatigue.
How Does BFR Work?
A Specialized Cuff restricts venous return while maintaining arterial inflow with Low-Load Exercise. Trapped metabolites (lactate, hydrogen ions) create an environment that mimics high-intensity resistance training & muscles fatigue faster. Increased muscle fiber recruitment, hormone release, & protein synthesis drive performance & recovery.
Dr. Elizabeth Lauten was first exposed to BFR in 2018 and has been using BFR with patients successfully since 2019. She has completed BFR Level 1 and BFR Level 2 Certifications through Smart Tools.
Want to learn more or try it out? Contact us today or book an appointment!
Check out our BFR Brochure below.
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