Evidence-based
Blood Flow Restriction
Backed by research, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) increases strength and muscle bulk by restricting arterial blood flow to extremities under less load.
What is BFR?
Blood Flow Restriction uses blood pressure cuffs to occlude venous flow, manipulating the body to enhance muscle bulk and strength while using low loads. BFR is used in professional and collegiate athletics for safely gaining strength, however, research is finding it is incredibly beneficial for injuries that cannot handle high load. We are finding injuries such as arthritis, tendinopathies, and even pre/post surgeries are having remarkable recoveries and healing under BFR. Injuries require strength and muscle bulk to recover, however, most of them cannot tolerate high load. This results in longer recovery time and time off of activities. BFR is a very effective solution to improve strength while safely lifting lighter loads.
Injuries that benefit from BFR are:
- Tendinopathies (tennis elbow, achilles, patellar, etc.)
- Arthritis
- Sprains/strains
- Pre/post surgery rehab
Research has also shown BFR helps with:
- Recovery
- Weight loss
- Jump height
- Strength and muscle bulk
- Improving VO2Max
- Reducing pain
- Improving vasculature and blood flow in healthy older populations
- Increasing bone density markers
To learn more about BFR in research, click here.
How it works:
1. You will be required to fill out a questionnaire to determine if you are a candidate for BFR based on your genetic and health history.
2. We apply the pressure cuffs to determine your 100% occlusion rate and then set the occlusion pressure at a certain percentage of your individual total occlusion pressure depending on the BFR protocol.
3. You will perform a series of strengthening exercises at with the pressure cuffs at low load/weight.
4. Your doctor will provide an exercise plan with BFR tailored to your injury or performance goals. You have the option of purchasing your own BFR cuffs/unit or you can schedule appointments at Innersport to perform the rehab in clinic.
“I’ve been seeing Jess, as needed, for the past 5 years. What I love about about Jess is that she understands an athletes mindset (because she is one!). She always takes into consideration your short and long term goals when defining and mapping out a recovery/rehab plan. She’s on your team 👍.“
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Innersport prides itself on getting people back to what they love, what feeds their souls, what makes them strive both physically and mentally.
“I worked with Dr Jess earlier this year after straining my achilles from tennis + the coast ride. She is a excellent practitioner, really knowledgeable. She helped work on my achilles in the office but she also gave great instructions so i knew what i needed to do when i left. I got back to riding pretty quickly and haven’t had any lingering issues. I also had Dr Jess fit me on my bike which I HIGHLY recommend. Not only is my bike more comfortable but I am putting out more power as well. I was particularly impressed with her attention to detail and balancing feedback from me (in terms of what feels good) with what she was seeing. She truly fits the bike to the person, taking into account your natural body position, rather than trying to get you into a “ideal” position.”
“I went to Dr Jess for a bike fit to address some pain and discomfort I was experiencing on the bike. I had gone to 2 other bike fitters in previous 16 months, who only caused more problems, and she was finally able to lock in a fit that worked for me. Why? Because she understands the body and biomechanics, and applies the science and art of that. She’s not following some formula or following a trend. In addition to fit, she also provided a routine of stretching and strength exercises that have helped quite a bit. Worth every penny!”
“I feel so blessed I found Dr. Jess. I am a 68 year old woman with osteoporosis and degenerative disc issues in my neck that have caused me problems. Although her training, skills and abilities are oriented towards sports, she agreed without hesitation to take me, an older woman with different needs, under her wings.
I am pretty aware of my body and issues, and also very particular about practitioners. She tunes right in without my having to say a word. After a session with her, I feel like I am walking on air as I go to my car and her therapy seems to hold. Wow! She is the best!“