BFRT originated in the United States in 2011, when the US military began using the technique to help soldiers recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq. Over the last eight years the growing number of research studies have shown the effectiveness of this technique for a variety of conditions in people of all ages.
BFRT is a brief and intermittent restriction of blood flow performed by placing a cuff on the upper or lower extremity while performing lower load resistive exercise. Essentially the decrease in blood flow briefly changes the metabolic environment of the muscles without having to mechanically over stress injured or healing tissues. The body’s response is improved strength and functional capacity of the muscles. BFRT does not replace but instead augments current rehabilitation strengthening programs.
This technique, although not for everyone, has been shown safe and effective for many different conditions. No two patients are the same therefore the treatment dosage and intensity is always individualized. The therapists at North County Water and Sports Therapy Center are BFRT certified and are using the FDA approved Smart Cuffs (made in the USA) system.
