“You want to cut off my blood circulation on purpose?” This is the first thought many people have when they first hear about blood flow restriction therapy, an innovative new approach to enhancing rehabilitation and sports training. Other myths about blood flow restriction therapy also abound–but we’re here to set the record straight.
Blood flow restriction therapy, often abbreviated as BFR therapy, is a technique used to enhance muscle strength and recovery. It involves applying a cuff (like the kind used to take your blood pressure at the doctor’s) to restrict blood flow to muscles while exercising. It sounds strange, but research shows it can provide significant benefits, especially for those recovering from injuries or surgeries.
However, the team at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science has found that some people who would benefit from this therapy are hesitant to try it. That’s why we want to explore the most common myths about blood flow restriction therapy–so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Five Surprisingly Common Myths About Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (And Why They’re Wrong)
Myth 1: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy is Dangerous
You might be forgiven for thinking this one is true–after all, the idea of purposefully cutting off blood flow can be scary! There’s no need to worry, though. BFR therapy is safe when performed by a trained professional, like the physical therapists at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science.
We use specially designed cuffs that allow us to control and adjust the amount of pressure we apply to your arm. We also carefully monitor our patients as they work through their exercise program.
Myth 2: BFR is Only for Athletes
This is another common BFR myth, largely arising from the technique’s popularity among athletes. While athletes do benefit significantly from BFR, it’s also an excellent choice for anyone recovering from an injury or surgery.
BFR works because it helps you build muscle mass while using lighter weights and performing less intense exercise–exactly the sort of exercise you should be doing during rehabilitation, as it reduces the risk of further injury. BFR therapy allows for effective rehabilitation by enhancing muscle growth and improving overall function, helping patients get back to their daily activities more quickly and safely.
Myth 3: BFR Causes Muscle Damage
Some fear that restricting blood flow will damage muscles. However, BFR therapy at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science uses carefully controlled restriction, which stimulates muscle growth and strength without causing harm. Furthermore, our therapists will show you exactly which exercises to perform and ensure you perform them correctly.
Myth 4: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy is a New, Unproven Method
Because BFR therapy has become more popular in recent years, many people think it’s a brand-new, untested technique. In reality, it was first developed in the 1960s, and several studies over the last several decades have shown its effectiveness in both athletic and rehabilitation settings.
Myth 5: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy is Only Effective for the Upper Body
Many people think that blood flow restriction therapy only benefits the upper body, perhaps because it’s widely used among weightlifters and bodybuilders who focus on arm strength. However, our physical therapists utilize BFR therapy on both the upper and lower body, helping to build muscle strength and promote recovery in the legs and hips.
BFR therapy can even indirectly help you improve your core strength. While we can’t restrict blood to your core muscles, we can ask you to engage your core muscles after applying the cuff to your arm or leg. Your body has to work harder to compensate for the restricted blood flow–and your core strength and stability improve as a result.
Think You Might Benefit from Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?
We hope that by debunking these common myths about blood flow restriction therapy, you will consider giving it a try as part of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment program at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science.
Schedule an appointment at our NH clinic today to learn whether BFR therapy is the right choice for your needs!
