Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
MPOWER Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
Why choose us?
MPOWER Physical Therapy provides a medical and orthopedic approach to personal wellness and performance. With locations in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN, our team of physical therapists, personal trainers, massage therapists, and nutrition experts take a holistic, integrative, and patient-driven approach to care.
Our People
Our physical therapists, massage therapists, and personal trainers are friendly, high-energy, and outcomes-focused.
Top-Tier Facilities
Our facilities are modern, bright, clean, and accessible. Our indoor and outdoor turf, robust locker rooms, and nearby orthopedic surgeons make MPOWER facilities unlike your typical physical therapy clinic.
Techniques and Technology
We aim to provide the highest-quality equipment and constantly evaluate the latest clinical technology. Our ancillary services include personal training, massage, and nutrition to provide an all-encompassing therapy experience.
MPOWER PHYSICAL THERAPY
What is Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR)?
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a type of physical therapy treatment designed to improve muscle strength while lifting lighter loads to reduce stress on the body. Traditionally, lifting heavy weights is the best way to enhance muscle strength. However, for those with chronic pain conditions or recovering from surgery, traditional strength-building techniques can cause excessive pain. BFR training enables the body to achieve the same results as heavy weightlifting without damaging tissues.
How BFR Works
BFR training alters the blood flow to and from the body part you’re exercising. The team at MPOWER Physical Therapy uses specialized tools to maintain the inflow of oxygen-rich blood while decreasing the outflow of oxygen-poor blood. These physiological changes are typically harder to achieve with lighter loads, but BFR training forces these adaptations, allowing you to improve muscle strength while lifting lighter weights. When you lift weights to build muscle, your body undergoes various physiological changes to enhance muscle strength, including:
BFR Benefits and Results
BFR training is most commonly used by individuals coping with chronic pain or injury, and it also offers significant advantages for athletes aiming to enhance strength with reduced injury risk and quicker recovery periods. One of the primary benefits of BFR training is its ability to facilitate pain-free workouts while simultaneously averting further injury. Additional benefits include:
What to Expect
During your consultation at MPOWER, your physical therapist will discuss the specifics of your blood flow restriction (BFR) training. They may incorporate BFR training for either your upper or lower limbs. Initially, your therapist places a cuff on the limb to limit blood flow, after which you commence your resistance training regimen. For optimal results, your therapist may advise 2-4 sessions per week over 1-3 weeks. Additionally, the team may recommend blood flow restriction training for aerobic conditioning, particularly effective during treadmill walking or stationary bike riding.
