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EmergeOrtho is known throughout North Carolina as the premier choice for, subspecialty orthopedic care. Equally renowned for our Physical Therapy services, several of our practices offer local patients innovative Rehabilitation and Muscle Performance options such as blood flow restriction therapy (BFR therapy).

Blood flow restriction therapy encourages the development of muscle strength without imposing exercise loads that are potentially dangerous to the joints and connective tissues. Personalized blood flow restriction rehabilitation is yet one of many examples of EmergeOrtho’s commitment to helping each patient Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.

What Is BFR Therapy and How Does it Work?

Blood flow restriction therapy uses a safe, medical-grade tourniquet to restrict blood flow during exercise. The restriction enables your muscles to grow in size and strength faster than with traditional methods of heavy lifting. While described as innovative, BFR therapy has actually been utilized by the United States Military to assist wounded soldiers in their recovery for years, referred to as the (Delfi Tourniquet System–PTS).

Most recently, Professional Sports Teams and Division I Collegiate Athletics teams are using BFR therapy with their athletes for both rehabilitative and performance gains. Check out Owens Recovery Science News to Learn More.

Is it Safe?

A blood flow restriction kit hangs on a rolling stand ready for BFR therapy

Yes. The Delfi -PTS blood flow restriction device utilized by EmergeOrtho board-certified and highly-trained Physical Therapists is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certified.* The Delfi-PTS uses a Doppler System to measure the pressure necessary to safely restrict blood flow of the arm or leg. This modality is referred to as “personalized blood flow restriction therapy,” because tourniquet pressure is determined by our EmergeOrtho physical therapists for each patient, at every treatment, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Before the tourniquet is inflated for exercise, your personalized tourniquet pressure (PTP) is calculated. Throughout each exercise, the device continuously monitors the pressure and adjusts as needed. Recent research has shown that this type of treatment can actually decrease the likelihood of developing a blood clot.

*Be cautious using any non-FDA approved products for blood flow restriction, as they can be dangerous.

Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Training

The potential training results from PBFR are endless. This technology allows you to train at 20% of your maximum lifting capacity (one rep max) and achieve the same benefits as if you were lifting 80% of your maximum lifting capacity. And, as mentioned earlier, the decrease in BFR exercise load helps to reduce the risk for damage to the joints and connective tissues associated with resistance training exercise load.

Blood flow restricted exercise typically lasts six to eight minutes per exercise. The Delfi-PTS system can be safely used up to 30 minutes based on your specific treatment or performance plan. Positive, measurable outcomes have been noted in athletes and patients who have used PBFR, despite injury status or age.

Is PBFR Right for You?

Three blood flow restriction cuffs are shown with a personalized tourniquet system.PBFR can be used for rehabilitation purposes on patients who have recently had surgery or have been immobilized resulting in muscle weakness. It can also be used to aid in training for muscle performance.

Typical candidates for PBFR may include:

  • Weight lifters
  • Endurance athletes
  • Individuals who are interested in increasing muscle mass without the usual soreness or risk of injury that results from heavy lifting

PBFR is not suitable for individuals with:

  • Impaired circulation
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Cancer
  • Severe high blood pressure
  • Open fractures
  • Tumors
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Women who are pregnant

Comprehensive Physical and Hand Therapy Options

In addition to blood flow restriction rehabilitation, EmergeOrtho offers an extensive list of additional physical and hand therapy services ranging from dry needling, Kinesio Taping(R) and aquatic therapy to biofeedback, ASTYM, and much more.

To learn more about PBFR therapy schedule a consultation now with one of our highly-qualified EmergeOrtho Physical Therapists.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

This website does not provide medical advice. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For questions regarding a medical condition or treatment, seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you read on this website. If you need medical advice or treatment, click here to schedule an appointment.

Find a Blood Flow Restriction Specialist.

Locations

  • Apex
  • Brier Creek
  • Chapel Hill
  • Clayton
  • Durham
  • Greensboro | Physical and Hand Therapy
  • Oxford
  • Raleigh
  • Smithfield
  • Summerfield | Physical Therapy
  • Wilson

EmergeOrtho is full of wonderful doctors! They make sure they go over every little thing and explain stuff so that you understand. I have 4 different doctors here and have been pleased with them all.

Michelle M

EMERGEORTHO PATIENT

They treat you with respect take the time to understand what your needs are and work toward that gold of fixing the problem. Very professional in everything they do I love going there for treatment can't say that about many healthcare systems. I recommend EmergeOrtho to everyone I see.

Ronnie W

EMERGEORTHO PATIENT

A New Level Of Orthopedic Care Has Emerged

As our patient, you will benefit from a full range of orthopedic services, specialties and technologies, including physical and hand therapy, advanced imaging services, and urgent care walk-in services providing immediate diagnosis and treatment for urgent orthopedic conditions.