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Blood Flow Restriction Therapy


Blood flow restriction therapy is an innovative physical therapy method that uses an AirBand to restrict the flow of blood to a muscle. Under the care of a qualified physical therapist, blow flow restriction therapy safely compresses select blood vessels to deprive a targeted section of tissue.


Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction


Blood flow restriction therapy is a popular physical therapy technique that can help patients recover from injuries and regain strength. It has been used by athletes, soldiers, the elderly, and post-operative surgical patients with the goal of getting better faster.

Some of the medical benefits of blood flow restriction include:

  • Promoting muscle growth

  • Reducing pain

  • Stimulating tissue healing

  • Decreasing muscle atrophy

  • Treating chronic muscle strain

Blood flow restriction therapy is particularly useful for patients who are under weight-lifting restrictions or struggling with pain as they try to regain or build muscle strength.

While blood flow restriction is often used to help patients recover from a sports injury or surgery, it is also beneficial to the following populations:

  • Heart health patients who cannot exercise

  • Joint replacement patients

  • Patients with knee pain

  • Patients with tendinopathies, such as golfer’s elbow or tendinitis

  • Patients with fractures who want to maintain muscle strength

  • Patients with bone weakness or osteoporosis

Blood flow restriction therapy is an innovative, scientifically-backed technique that Avalanche Physical Therapy offers as an essential part of rehabilitation.


What Happens During Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?


Blood flow restriction aims to keep blood flowing into the muscle while preventing outflow. This deprives the muscle tissues of oxygen, making muscles work harder to pump the blood back to the heart. Doing so has all the benefits of a high-intensity workout while minimizing stress on muscles and joints.


Although each procedure will defer depending on the patient's unique injury and outcome goals, the most typically used method of blood flow restriction occurs as follows:

  • An AirBand is applied, restricting the flow of blood to a particular muscle group

  • The patient performs a simple, low-load exercise to stimulate that muscle

  • There is a short rest period with the AirBand still in place

  • The activity and rest period is then repeated until the patient has completed their prescribed repetition scheme

  • The Airband is removed for a rest period before the patient moves on to the next exercise set

At Vail-Summit Physical Therapy, our therapists consider the following when prescribing blood flow restriction treatment:

  • The injury or condition

  • Patient’s activity level

  • Where the patient is in their recovery process

  • Size of the impacted limb

Blood flow restriction therapy should always be performed under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist. Inappropriate or prolonged blood flow restriction can lead to severe

complications and cause serious injury.


Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Near Me


If you need a physical therapist specializing in blood flow restriction therapy, contact Vail-Summit Physical Therapy today! With three convenient clinics in Summit County, Colorado, and one in Edwards, Colorado, our team at Vail-Summit Physical Therapy is dedicated to getting their patients back to the activities they love quickly, safely, and effectively.


Contact our offices and schedule your appointment today!

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