Therapeutic Restriction of Blood Flow: Mechanism, Techniques, Benefits, and Disadvantages

What Is Meant by Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

Blood flow restriction therapy is a form of physical therapy that works by restricting blood flow to the weak or injured part of the body. Blood flow restriction therapy improves healing and decreases recovery time. The physical therapist uses a surgical-grade tourniquet to put some pressure on the arms and legs during exercise. Blood flow restriction therapy is most commonly used to treat sports injuries and in military persons. It is also used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis. The mechanism of blood flow restriction therapy is that it increases the level of growth hormones, promoting healing. Blood flow restriction therapy is believed to effectively reduce pain and improve the muscle strength of the injured or weak muscles.

How Does Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Work?

Blood flow restriction therapy is a simple concept. The mechanism is that the therapists restrict the blood flow in the affected limbs by using a tourniquet-like device. This restriction of blood flow in the limbs causes the muscles to work hard. The theory is that when the muscles are forced to work harder, it leads to increased muscle growth. Blood flow restriction therapy is used to treat both upper and lower limbs. For upper limbs, a device called a blood flow restriction band is used, which simply goes around the limbs, and the desired level of restriction is achieved by tightening the device, whereas for lower limbs, specialized wraps or belts can be used. It also works by restricting blood flow and making the muscles work hard. It can be done by qualified professionals who efficiently assess the person's fitness level and reduce the risk of injury.

What Are the Techniques Used in Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

• There are several techniques used during blood flow restriction therapy. The various techniques make the therapy effective by restricting the blood flow. The main aim of all techniques is the same as it needs to reduce the venous return when maintaining the arterial inflow.

• The common technique is the limb to be treated is wrapped with a tourniquet. The predetermined pressure is applied on the limbs by inflating the tourniquet, approximately between 50 to 80 percent of the patient's systolic blood pressure. This application of pressure reduces the venous return without interfering with the arterial inflow.

• The next common technique is using specialized devices that help apply pressure to the limbs to be treated. This device contains a cuff that goes around the limbs and an inflatable bladder that applies pressure to the limb to be treated. The pressure is applied to the limbs by inflating the cuff. The pressure can be between 50 to 80 percent of the patient's systolic pressure, resulting in decreased venous return without interfering with the arterial inflow.

• Another technique is occlusive dressing. The occlusive dressing is applied to the skin directly and works by blocking the blood flow physically.

• All these techniques aim to decrease venous return without any changes in arterial inflow, improving blood circulation and reducing pain and inflammation.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

Blood flow therapy is used to treat various conditions of muscles, bones, and heart.

Conditions of Muscles

Blood flow restriction therapy can improve muscular conditions by increasing the blood flow to the muscles, which helps improve muscle function and growth. Muscular conditions are often said as weak muscles or sore muscles. Some of the common muscular conditions that can be treated with blood flow restriction therapy include:

• Calf strains.

• Elbow tendonitis.

• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis).

• Achilles tendonitis.

• Rotator cuff tears.

• Jumper's knees (patellar fasciitis).

• Hamstring strains.

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

Conditions of Bones

Bone conditions are common in older individuals. Blood flow restriction therapy improves bone conditions by increasing nutrients and blood flow to the bones. Some researchers believe that blood flow restriction therapy helps to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk. The tourniquet used in the therapy restricts the blood flow to the fingers, which in turn redirects the blood flow to the bone by forcing the body. Some common conditions of the bone that can be treated with blood flow restriction therapy include:

• Paget's Disease - A condition that causes deformation and enlargement of bones.

• Osteoporosis - A condition that causes weak or brittle bones due to decreased bone density.

Conditions of Heart

Blood flow restriction therapy can also be believed to improve cardiovascular problems. Some studies show that blood flow restriction therapy reduces blood pressure and improves the function of blood vessels. Some cardiovascular conditions that can be treated by blood flow restriction therapy include:

• Hypertension.

• Peripheral arterial disease.

• Atherosclerosis.

• Coronary artery disease.

What Are the Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

The benefits of blood flow restriction therapy are:

• Improve Range of Motion - Blood flow restriction therapy helps to improve joint function and reduce stiffness of the joints.

• Relieve Pain - Blood flow restriction therapy helps to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Reduce the Risk of DVT - Blood flow restriction therapy helps to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving the blood flow and preventing the stagnation of blood.

• Improve Circulation - Blood flow restriction therapy helps to increase the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood circulation.

• Reduce Side Effects of Cancer Treatment - Blood flow restriction therapy is used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

• Chronic Conditions - Blood flow restriction therapy may be effective while recovering from surgery or injury. It also helps to treat chronic conditions like arthritis.

What Are the Disadvantages of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

• As the treatment aims at constricting the blood flow, there may be a chance of tissue damage in the arms and legs due to constriction.

• There may be complications of blood clots in the extremities due to constriction of blood flow. The pooled blood may also cause a severe illness.

• Some people experience pain during therapy and may also experience cramping in the limbs. Blood flow restriction therapy can also cause lightheadedness and dizziness.

If a person experiences any of these side effects, there are various alternative treatments to treat the conditions. Some of the alternative treatments are:

• Ultrasound therapy.

• Low-level laser therapy.

• Cryotherapy.

• Electrical stimulation therapy.

Conclusion

Blood flow restriction therapy has emerged as a valuable tool for rehabilitation, sports performance, and overall health and wellness. There are various benefits offered by blood flow restriction therapy. Even though it has several benefits, it also has many drawbacks. So taking treatment under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist is recommended.