Blood Flow Restriction Therapy to Increase Muscle Growth

Blood flow restriction therapy is a modality that is increasingly prevalent in sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation.  In simple terms, blood flow restriction therapy entails restricting 80% of the blood flow to a limb while doing selected exercises.  This combination has been shown in many research studies to produce muscle growth using far less weight or load than is normally required to gain muscle.  

For instance, let’s say doing a bicep curl with 15 pounds is challenging for a patient and would lead to muscle gain if undertaken on a regular basis.  With blood flow restriction in use, we would expect similar muscle growth doing the bicep curl with 6 pounds.  The lower weight allows for far less stress on the elbow joint.  

Often in people with arthritis or who have had a surgery therapists are very focused on having the patient not lose muscle but do not want to stress the joints in the area. Blood flow restriction can be an amazing tool in such cases.  

The gold-standard in blood flow restriction is the Delphi unit which we use at our Panorama physical therapy clinics.  This unit looks similar to a blood pressure cuff and is worn on the upper part of the arm or leg depending on the area of the body we are working on in therapy. This unit has many safety features and is FDA approved.  The unit takes real time pressure for each individual and restricts blood flow on an individual basis.  

Despite great safety and research track records, blood flow restriction therapy is not for everyone. There are a few possible contraindications that your therapist will discuss with you such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, prescription blood thinners or even varicose veins. Additionally, blood flow restriction can be uncomfortable.  Like all parts of your rehabilitation, skilled Panorama therapists can help you determine if you will benefit from blood flow restriction therapy as a part of your overall return to your best.