57. The Science Behind Blood Flow Restriction | Dr. Ben Weatherford

2023-02-28

“Blood flow restriction or BFR from the simplest stance is a strategy for exercise to try to replicate what happens when we lift heavy or do high intensity,” explains Dr. Ben Weatherford, PT, DPT. Today, Dr. Ben talks with host Dr. Andrew about the science behind Blood Flow Restriction and how it can be applied in rehab settings. People in physical therapy for injuries, chronic conditions, and post-surgical rehab are typically unable to do the higher intensity exercises that are needed for making muscles adapt. They may have...

People in physical therapy for injuries, chronic conditions, and post-surgical rehab are typically unable to do the higher intensity exercises that are needed for making muscles adapt. They may have restrictions to the types of exercises they are allowed to do or simply be in too much pain for things like heavy lifting. BFR provides a safer alternative for these patients that simulates the effect of high intensity exercise on the body by use of a tourniquet or blood pressure cuff. In order to avoid any potential complications, aim to use a wider cuff with lower pressure for short intervals.

BFR can help rehab patients to rebuild their muscles when other forms of exercise are not recommended for their recovery. Instead of having to lift progressively heavier weights, patients can wear a cuff that restricts their blood flow and lift less weight to reach the same level of impact on the body.

Quotes

• “Blood flow restriction or BFR from the simplest stance is a strategy for exercise that tries to replicate what happens when we lift heavy or do high intensity.” (10:10-10:22 | Dr. Ben)

• “It's potentially easier to put a tourniquet on someone and recreate an anaerobic limb than making them lift really hard.” (14:20-14:27 | Dr. Ben)

• “The wider the cuff, typically the lower the pressure you can use to restrict blood flow.” (18:09-18:15 | Dr. Ben)

• “The dose necessary depends on the individual. What is their training history? If they're a lesser trained individual, then you can probably get away with an even lower intensity and a lower cuff pressure because any stimulus is going to be significant for them.” (26:21-26:36 | Dr. Ben)

Links

Connect with Dr. Ben Weatherford:

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Twitter | Owens_Recovery

Facebook | Owens Recovery Science

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Andrew’s Personal Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.andrewfix/

Andrew’s Personal Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/andrew.fix.9/