People with a family or personal history of bleeding disorders, or level 1 hypertension, may not be safe to complete a bfr training protocol. This is the first and most obvious concern with implementing BFR. Does placing a tourniquet and restricting blood flow increase the risk of clotting? Fortunately, several studies have examined these issues and all support that BFR does not increase the risk of blood clots. Both blood flow restriction training and intense endurance training are associated with the release of several anticoagulant factors (Jarrett 200.
Studies have shown that there are no increases in clots when implementing BFR training programs (Hylden 201). The short answer is no, you don't need a certification to use blood flow restriction training. The BFR is within the scope of practice for both physical therapists and athletic trainers. Local authorities may have different guidelines, so it's always best to review your state's practice laws to make sure you can use BFR.
Pressure around the limb during exercise restricts blood flow. This leads to an accumulation of blood in the extremities, leading to an effect called hypertrophy. To help prevent serious complications, it should be done by a trained professional. Current research suggests that occlusion training, or BFR, may be a safe and effective way to increase muscle strength and size.
The biggest risk factor in BFR training is excess pressure, which could be due to cuffs being too small or incorrect cuff placement. To avoid injury and reduce risk, it is very important to be under the supervision and help of a trained professional. In general, BFR is safe for most people, but it carries some risks, especially in people with certain medical conditions. As with the adoption of any new exercise, check with your doctor to see if the BFR is appropriate for your level of health and physical abilities.
The authors determined that the application of BFR improved both muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy in study participants when using light loads compared to controls. BFR can induce these improvements at much lower intensities, making it an effective tool to help this population.
Blood flow
restriction (BFR) training was initially developed in Japan in the 1960s and is also known as Kaatsu training. They might choose to use BFR to keep their muscles and minds strong, while limiting stress on their joints and therefore trying to limit injuries, says Gardner.The BFR must be administered by trained health professionals who have taken a certification course, says Julie Ann Aueron, a physical therapist and doctor of physical therapy at Tru Whole Care in New York City, who has been certified in BFT training by Owens Recovery Science (ORS). There are potential risks associated with BFR training if not done correctly, says Drew Contreras, doctor of physical therapy and vice president of integration and innovation of physicians at the American Physical Therapy Association. Blood Flow Restriction, or BFR, training has seen a substantial increase in popularity in recent years. It is recommended that trained athletes use BFR during an unloading period or as an adjunct to regular training rather than as primary training (Scott et al.
If you're a recreational athlete, read my article “The Best BFR Devices for Your Choices” and download my free BFR Training Guide. The BFR provides an option to attenuate atrophy after injury, as well as to increase strength in a low-load environment. .