Build strength with lighter weights during recovery. A specialized technique ideal for post-surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, or anyone unable to lift heavy loads.
Blood Flow Restriction training involves wrapping a pneumatic cuff around your arm or leg during exercise. The cuff partially restricts blood flow to the working muscle while still allowing blood to return.
This creates a unique physiological environment that promotes muscle growth and strength gains—even when using much lighter weights than traditional strength training requires.
The specialized cuff reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your muscles during exercise. This oxygen-limited environment creates metabolic stress similar to heavy weightlifting, but without the joint stress and tissue damage that heavy loads can cause.
Your body responds by increasing growth hormone production, promoting muscle protein synthesis, enhancing muscular endurance, and improving muscle hypertrophy (growth).
The result is muscle strengthening and growth using weights as light as 20-30% of your maximum capacity—compared to the 70-80% typically required with traditional strength training.
Dr. Beck, DPT, is certified in Blood Flow Restriction training and uses calibrated equipment to ensure proper cuff pressure for safe, effective treatment.
Dr. Beck, DPT, will measure and apply the cuff to your arm or leg at a specific pressure calibrated to your body.
You'll then perform controlled exercises (like leg extensions, arm curls, or squats) while the cuff is in place.
You may feel a pumping sensation or muscle fatigue during the exercise, but the technique is safe and well-tolerated by most patients.
Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes.
Unable to lift heavy weights during recovery
Individuals recovering from injury
Looking to maintain muscle mass safely
During rehabilitation or deload phases
Anyone with joint pain that limits heavy lifting
BFR is particularly beneficial in rehabilitation settings where traditional heavy loading isn't possible or advisable.
When performed correctly by a trained professional, BFR training is safe and effective.
BFR may not be appropriate for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions, blood clotting disorders, or other medical contraindications. Dr. Beck, DPT, will screen you during your initial evaluation to ensure BFR is safe for your situation.
BFR training is typically integrated into your regular physical therapy sessions. It's especially valuable during the early stages of post-surgical rehabilitation when tissues are healing and cannot handle heavy loads.
Included in regular physical therapy sessions
Initial evaluation required
Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Beck, DPT.
