Dr. Brooke Iseler at Functional Performance Center utilizes a functional approach to rehabilitation, creating whole body plans of care, and incorporating Applied Functional Science into each program. Another modality Dr. Iseler uses is Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT). BRFT is a technique in which a person places bands on the upper or lower extremities, occluding or blocking venous return of blood flow, thereby keeping unoxygenated blood in the limb, and promoting greater motor unit recruitment. This is used to allow better muscle performance, without having to use high load.
Benefits of BFRT
- Muscle hypertrophy
- Increased motor unit recruitment
- Low loads, with high load gain
- Stimulates muscle growth factor production
BFRT can be used early into the rehabilitation process, even during non weight bearing periods. This helps reduce muscle atrophy seen with disuse. Reversely, BFRT can be utilized at later stages of recovery to challenge the neuromuscular system and prepare for return to sport activity.
When can BFRT be used?
- Post surgically
- Return to sport
- Geriatric clients
- Persons who do not tolerate high load exercise
Prior to BFRT a thorough health screening needs to be done. This will include medical history and family history questionnaires to determine if BFRT is appropriate and safe. With any modality or exercise, there are some risks. Risks associated with BFRT are as follows:
- Bruising
- Muscle soreness
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Rarely blood clots