Blood Flow Restriction Therapy: Enhancing Muscle Mass

Introduction:

The muscles after injury shrink with time leading to muscle wastage called muscle atrophy. This is due to the lack of muscle activation since the person does not want to move the affected body parts. People could notice the difference in thighs and legs after, in cases of reconstruction surgery where the affected limb seems smaller. Post phases of surgery or injury, one will indulge in mobility and weight-bearing restrictions of the injured extremity to protect repaired parts. With blood flow restriction therapy, one can simply and effectively decrease muscle atrophy, where the individuals are never asked to lift the arm and put in high effort.

What Is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) is a kind of physiotherapy technique that enhances and increases strength without stressing heavier loads on the body. This technique is based on the principle that it is the potential to maintain arterial blood inflow by applying appropriate pressure to the extremities. In addition, it works by occluding or bypassing the venous outflow. Therefore, it diminishes the overall stress placed on the extremities.

Blood flow restriction therapy is a new and innovative training approach generally done for the development of muscle mass and strength in sports people. It can also be used in general strength training. So, it is applied in both means of rehabilitation and performance training.

How Does Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Work?

Blood flow restriction therapy targets muscle atrophy or wastage, though. The therapy incorporates equipment with a blood flow restriction unit and a pressurized cuff. Firstly, the therapist ties the pressurized cuff to the distal portion of any extremities, leg, or arm. Then, the blood flow restriction unit is activated. As a person executes low-intensity (20 to 30 percent) exercises, the cuff tightens, restricting the blood flow in the veins completely and restricting oxygenated blood circulation in the arteries partially of the particular muscle. As a result, these limited oxygen levels in the blood will elevate the growth and development of fast-twitch fibers in the muscle group. This culminates in increased lactate and growth hormone production. An increased growth hormone will enhance the muscle synthesis of plenty of proteins. Thus, the muscles increase in size, mass, growth, and strength.

What Is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Composed Of?

The blood flow restriction therapy commences with soft tissue massage, kneading, and warm-up. The number and frequency of BFR exercises depend on the deficit. However, it takes around eight minutes for each exercise. Blood flow restriction therapy is composed of sessions, with each taking up to one hour.

Where Is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Applied?

BFRT technique can be used solely with compression devices or in conjugation with certain exercises based on the severity of muscle wastage. The blood flow restriction technique is significantly recommended for recovery from injury. Moreover, it is applied and used in other means, too.

• Athletes and sports people can access BFRT. It supports both the injured and healthy ones.

• Recent surgeries. It provides early recovery for individuals who underwent joint replacement or ankle, knee, shoulder, and foot surgeries.

• Period of span with immobilization.

• People who are having a hard time with weight bearings.

• It also aids individuals who had surgery months before but not gained complete strength.

• Runners can benefit from BFRT since it can be applied in cardiovascular exercises to enhance cardiovascular performance.

• People suffering chronic joint pain.

• BFRT is recommended for general strength training in the geriatric population.

• In cases of tendinopathies and osteoporosis.

What Are the Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

Blood flow restriction therapy is considered safe for all ages. Over recent years, the BFRT acquired popularity and sound designation among therapists and patients. Therefore, the technique holds the following benefits for both recovery and rehabilitation.

• Blood flow restriction therapy alleviates pain and chronic muscle strain.

• It reduces muscle atrophy while promoting its growth and potential.

• It improves tissue healing in the recovery process.

• It helps in rebuilding and restoration of muscle mass as means of recovering from injuries.

• The training increases muscle mass by means of healthy training, as in the maintenance phase.

• The BFRT makes allowances for muscle growth and overall strength without addressing the injured sites.

• It maintains heart health in cases of people not exercising.

• Blood flow restriction therapy works on lower intensities compared to other high-intensity related exercises.

• It helps in rapid improvement in the healing process by enhancing collagen synthesis and bone-healing determinants.

• In comparison to high-intensity exercises and weightlifting, BFRT possesses similar benefits in healthy individuals looking for muscle mass and strength.

• Blood flow restriction therapy carries a lower risk of reinjuries and complications.

Where Is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Contraindicated?

The blood flow restriction training is effective, and the responses are as compelling as high-intensive exercise training. The human system reacts in similar ways. Nevertheless, BFRT is considered a safer technique than the high-intensity one since BFRT holds lower risks of injury. The trained, experienced, and certified therapists do the blood flow restriction technique with FDA-approved equipment and thus are safe and sounder. In addition, the BFRT is contraindicated or done with considerations in the following conditions associated with blood flow.

• Severe high blood pressure.

• Active cancer.

• Impaired blood circulation.

• Venous thromboembolism (blood clot formation within the veins).

• Peripheral vascular compromises.

• Infections in extremities.

• Extremities at dialysis access.

• Under medications increasing clotting risks.

• Previous history of lymphadenectomy.

• Bleeding disorders.

• Blood clotting disorders.

• Sickle cell anemia.

• Open fracture.

• Soft tissue injury.

• Non-healing ulcers.

Subsequently, the following states carry possible potential risks of adverse reactions. Therefore, consideration should be taken into account with appropriate screening and assessments.

• Diabetes.

• Poor circulatory system.

• Obesity.

• Arterial calcification.

• Severe hypertension.

• Renal concerns.

Conclusion:

Blood flow restriction therapy was once used for soldiers and athletes after injury. Now, it is available in every kind of occupational and physiotherapy. The access has become obvious in these past years. So, one can easily get benefits from blood flow restriction therapy with little effort on the affected arms. There is no need for high-intensity activities as weight-lifting and other exercises do. Blood flow restriction therapy is used primarily to help individuals to recover from surgery, joint concerns, and sports injuries. This technique can be used in other aspects too. Blood flow restriction training could be prescribed for general strengthening, particularly in elderly people.