Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) (also known as Occlusion Training)
About the Blood Flow Restriction Training Service
At Complete Physio, Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is used as part of a well-rounded rehab plan, to get you back strong, confident and ready to achieve your goals. BFRT is a form of training used in both rehab and performance settings to boost muscular hypertrophy and strength, all in a short amount of time (2-4 weeks) using light loading (less than 30% of maximum), reducing recovery times.
Blood flow restriction training is available at our Chelsea, Lime Street, Bury Street and Angel clinics.
Meet the team
How does blood flow restriction training work?
BFRT uses a pneumonic cuff to safely and effectively restrict blood flow out of the working limb but still allows blood flow in, meaning blood and metabolites pool in the limb, creating an environment conducive to muscle growth.
The use of light loads is often preferred over heavy loads during rehab as recovering areas may be re-injured, irritated or damaged by using heavy loading e.g. a repaired ligament, arthritic knee, or strained muscle.
Unfortunately, light loads alone are not sufficient to improve strength, so combining these with BFR means improved strength, without the risk of further injury.
There are three main groups that BFRT is used within a clinical setting
- Those who are recovering from surgery
- The elderly population
- Injured athletes looking to speed up their return to play
BFR has many other uses including;
- Reducing disuse atrophy (muscular wasting) when in a cast or bedridden
- Post athletic performance recovery
- Managing loads in athletes
- General health improvement
A young athlete with knee pain using BFRT to gain muscle bulk and strength without overloading his joints.
Complete Physio’s BFRT Service can be tailored for the above needs and more. Our BFRT Service is headed by Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Reece Noble. Reece has 10 years of experience as a physiotherapist and also holds a Masters degree in Strength & Conditioning.
Simply put, BFRT = quick strength gains at low loads
Testimonials
“Blood flow restriction training was able to help me build muscle back in my calf after my Achilles Rupture – I added 1cm to the circumference of my calf in the first 4 weeks of using it. I was able to push myself harder than I would have been able to without the cuffs and it was a great supplement to my home exercise program”
Frank – Achilles Tendon Rupture
“I used BFR to help with my partial supraspinatus (shoulder) tear. I was able to strengthen the muscles without using heavy loads and therefore avoiding pain. I found it to be an innovative approach to rehab and training”
Ivan - Rotator Cuff tear
“I definitely feel stronger after it (BFRT) and haven’t had the usual setbacks my injury has traditionally given me. I’d usually have steroid injections every 6 months and after BFR I’m still doing fine without the steroid, now in month 8 and still no knee pain. To anyone considering using it I’d say give it a try; it’s worked for me! It’s pretty quick too so easy to fit into a busy schedule”
Adam – Knee Cartilage Injury
“I think BFRT helped me get confidence in my knee faster compared to regular physio. BFRT really pushes you to the limit and helps you in feeling better”
Carola – Medial Meniscal Repair
How to book occlusion therapy
To book an appointment call 020 7482 3875 or to find out if BFRT is an option for you, please email Reece direct on reece@complete-physio.co.uk. For an in-depth review of BFRT (or occlusion training) with a detailed analysis of the evidence and science surrounding this technique please see Reece’s recently published article.
Meet our Clinicians
Chris Myers
Chris is one of the few physiotherapists in the country to also be a fully trained as a musculoskeletal sonographer and uses diagnostic ultrasound to diagnose muscle, ligament, tendon, joint and nerve problems. He has been using diagnostic ultrasound to carry...
Alastair Nowell
Alastair graduated in 2003 from the University of East London, and completed many years working in the NHS as a highly specialised musculoskeletal physiotherapist. Additionally, he developed his Physiotherapy knowledge by completing an MSc in Sports...
Luke Millward
Luke Millward is an experienced senior Physiotherapist, with a First Class Degree in Physiotherapy, post-graduate training in Pilates, Acupuncture and muscle control and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy....
Emerson Fernandez
Emerson has been working as a musculoskeletal sports physiotherapist since completing his BSc (Hons) in 2005, specialising in sports and fitness injuries.Emerson has worked in GP practices, gyms, and accidents...
Alexei Roszkowiak
Alexei graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Physiotherapy from the University of East London in 2003. His particular interest in physiotherapy began primarily in Orthopaedics where he initially developed his career working..
Michael Tegerdine
Michael has gained a vast about of experience in assessing and managing a wide variety of musculo-skeletal conditions whilst working at large teaching hospitals in Essex and London.
Mike Brent
Mike graduated from the University of Nottingham. After specialising within the NHS he worked for a Professional Rugby club honing his hands on skills and analytical ability....
Leo Chiu
Leo qualified with a BSc (Hons) degree from Brunel University in 2003. He worked 10 years in the NHS (the Royal Free and Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals) alongside Orthopaedic Consultants.
Book your appointment
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call the team and we will find the right clinician and clinic for you.