What is BFR?

Posted: 2 years, 9 months ago

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Chris Hinze, PT - “What is BFR?” One of the keys to successful aging is maintaining muscle strength well into our golden years. Unfortunately, keeping up that muscle strength is often easier said than done. Traditionally, in order to increase muscle strength we need to lift heavy loads that equate to around 60 to 80% of our maximum lifting capacity. For people with painful arthritis or recovering from a surgery, lifting loads of that magnitude might not be possible. Thankfully, an alternative exists - blood flow resistance (BFR) training. BFR is a form of exercise training where blood flow is intentionally restricted to a limb or limbs of the body while various exercises are performed. A pressurized cuff is applied to the limb which restricts the flow of blood from the muscle, creating internal effects that are similar to lifting heavy weights. When combined with low load and high repetition exercises, BFR can produce Chris Hinze, PT, DPT Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults physiological benefits that are typically only achieved with high intensity strength training. BFR can promote increased muscle strength and muscle size with less strain on the body’s joints and tissues. At the Wellness Center, BFR is delivered as part of an individualized therapy plan of care. After a thorough initial evaluation, your therapist - in coordination with you and your physician - will help determine if BFR is right for you. To learn more, call (231) 932-3172 to speak with a member of the therapy team or to schedule a therapy evaluation.

 

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