Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy is a cutting-edge physiotherapy technique where low-load exercise is performed while venous return is partially restricted using cuffs or bands. This safely simulates the effects of high-intensity training — without the mechanical stress on joints or tissues.

Here are the key advantages of BFR in physiotherapy:


1. Muscle Strengthening with Low Load

  • BFR enables muscle hypertrophy and strength gains using just 20–30% of 1RM (1-rep max).
  • Especially useful for:
  • Post-operative rehab (ACL, rotator cuff)
  • Acute injuries where heavy loading isn’t possible
  • Elderly or frail patients with limited tolerance

 2. Faster Recovery & Rehab

  • Triggers anabolic responses (↑ growth hormone, IGF-1) despite low loads.
  • Helps minimize muscle atrophy during periods of immobilization or reduced activity.
  • Accelerates return-to-sport timelines after surgery or injury.

 3. Joint-Sparing Approach

  • Provides high training stimulus without overloading joints or connective tissue.
  • Reduces strain on healing ligaments, cartilage, or tendons.
  • Ideal for arthritis, osteoporosis, or post-op recovery.

4. Improved Muscle Endurance

  • Enhances capillary density and muscle oxidative capacity.
  • Supports athletes and rehab patients in regaining functional performance.

 5. Enhanced Pain Modulation

  • Increases endogenous opioid and endorphin release.
  • Reduces pain during and after exercise — helpful in chronic pain conditions or when building exercise tolerance.

 6. Versatile & Scalable

  • Can be integrated with:
  • Passive therapy (e.g., neuromuscular stim, Winback)
  • Active rehab (resistance bands, cycling, walking)
  • Functional movement training
  • Suitable for all patient types:
  • Athletes, elderly, post-op, chronic pain, neurologic cases

 7. Promotes Neuroplasticity

  • Shown to support neural drive and corticomotor excitability, which may benefit:
  • Stroke rehab
  • Peripheral nerve injury recovery

 Precautions & Contraindications

  • Not suitable for:
  • Uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular conditions
  • History of DVT or clotting disorders
  • Open wounds, recent fractures near cuff site
  • Always monitor limb occlusion pressure (LOP) and use professional-grade cuffs (not elastic bands) SIDI PHYSIO will assess LOP and provide professional-grade cuffs.








::