Services  Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

What is BFR?

BFR training is a form of safe, low intensity resistance exercise that when applied using a tourniquet device, has demonstrated enhanced muscle growth, muscle strength, oxygen delivery and utilization (VO2Max), collagen dependent tissue repair, and increased bone healing following a fracture.

While performing BFR, the tourniquet device will be inflated, which will safely slow down the rate of blood flow to the working muscle.

The lowered oxygen to the working muscle induces an artificial high intensity environment that will produce normal muscle by-products which are known as lactic acid.

During the prescribed exercise program, the lactic acid will rise and produce a slight to moderate “muscle burn” that will promote increased muscle activation

Despite the low weight, the body can begin the normal process of increasing in tissue repair, strength, and ultimately adaptation.

The outcomes of BFR have been widely studied and proven safe and effective

Benefits of BFR Training:

• Decrease muscle atrophy immediately after an injury or surgery
• Improve tissue healing and limit scar tissue
• Increase strength and hypertrophy
• Enhance oxygen delivery and utilization (VO2Max)
• Increase tendon and bone healing (including fractures, osteopenia/osteoporosis)
• Produces high intensity training results in just fraction of the time, while using less load and less damage

Safety:

BFR training is well established in the research literature to be safe for the general population. Certain populations should consult with a physician before application as some contraindications include:

• History of deep-vein thrombosis
• Extensive varicose veins
• Cardiac disease
• Pregnancy
• Excessively high blood pressure

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training is offered at our Midtown Toronto location at Yonge & Eglinton and at our Vaughan location.  Book your appointment, BFR Training would be incorporated into a regular physiotherapy session.

Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton with Registered Physiotherapist, Daniel Yoon

Athlete's Care Vaughan with Registered Physiotherapist, Mike D'Aiuto