Blood Flow Restriction Training is now available at Aspirus Outpatient Therapies.
Blood Flow Restriction Training, also known as BFR, helps individuals recover from an injury or surgery. BFR uses special equipment to safely prevent low-oxygen blood from leaving the targeted muscle while allowing some oxygenated blood to flow to that area. This helps to trigger muscle building when individuals have difficulty lifting heavy weights.
Aspirus Physical Therapists (and brothers) Blake and Beau Dupuis recently obtained their certification to offer this unique service. This certification allows Blake and Beau to intentionally apply blow flow restriction to maximally enhance rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions and enhance performances of athletes.
“Blood flow restriction helps our patients prevent muscle loss,” said Blake Dupuis, DPT, Physical Therapist. “We are able to build strength without placing stress on the injured area. We are thrilled to offer this service to the community as we have many young athletes who could benefit when injuries occur during sports.”
BFR therapy uses specialized equipment to create a specific amount of pressure on an affected area. The decrease in oxygen creates an anaerobic response which helps produce more rapid muscle growth.
Blood Flow Restriction Training can be used to help patients with a variety of injuries including:
- Tennis Elbow
- Rotator Cuff injuries
- ACL and UCL injuries
- Ankle injuries
- Arthritis
- Hip injuries
- Thigh and hamstring injuries
“BFR is a great tool for athletes or individuals who have a specific injury like a tear in their ACL, meniscus, sprains and strains,” said Beau Dupuis, DPT, Physical Therapist. “During recovery from an injury or surgery, patients can face loss of muscle tissue. BFR uses low intensity resistance and places less stress on the injured area. This allows for the individual to start earlier rehabilitation and help prevent loss of muscle mass.”
BFR is also used to treat tendonitis, to provide general strengthening, and to help recover after surgery.
Aspirus Health currently offers free 15-minute consultations with any physical, occupational or speech therapist. Consultations allow individuals to have an area or problem examined and to discuss whether therapy may be beneficial.
Visit aspirus.org for more information on outpatient therapy. To schedule a consultation or appointment at Aspirus Outpatient Therapies in Calumet or Houghton, call 906-337-7000.