Blood Flow Restriction

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is FDA-approved to be a safe and effective system that trained medical professionals can use to help patients improve muscle strength.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Blood Flow Restriction

What is blood flow restriction?

Blood Flow Restriction therapy has been around since 1966 but has recently gained a lot of popularity in the physical therapy community. There has been a recent surge in research supporting BFR, which began with military personnel returning home with traumatic injuries, and now is now widely use by colleges and professional athletes.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is FDA-approved to be a safe and effective system that trained medical professionals can use to help patients improve muscle strength. It is done by using pneumatic tourniquet-like cuffs used to restrict blood to the limb. Doing so decreases the amount of blood that returns through the veins. This restriction of blood flow helps with muscle growth without placing excessive weight on the limb. BFR mimics the anaerobic environment of high-intensity exercise at 20-30% of a person’s 1 rep max. Request an appointment.

How does it work?

BFR uses specialized cuffs that are applied to a patient’s injured arm or leg. The cuff is then inflated to a specific pressure, based upon the patient’s arterial flow. Once blood flow is restricted, personalized strengthening exercises are performed at high repetitions and low weight. Request an appointment.

What are the benefits of BFR? Individualized services include:

  • Gain muscle
  • Improve muscle endurance
  • Increase muscle power
  • Faster return to function after injury
  • Prevent injury
  • Reduce recovery time

Who can benefit from BFR?

The risks associated with BFR are similar to the risks associated with general exercise, thus making it useful for a wide population, included but not limited to those seeking treatment for the following conditions:

  • Sport-specific training
  • Arthritis
  • Deconditioning
  • Post-op ACL
  • Fractures
  • Muscle sprains/strains
  • RTC surgery
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Post-op total knee and hip replacements

Request an appointment today to see how one of our BFR-skilled physical therapists can help you!

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Excellent4.8★★★★★ review us on ★★★★★ I love ivy rehab and Tyler. He approaches treatment from a very knowledgeable perspective and engages you in his treatment plan every step of the way. The entire staff is friendlyResponse from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Conshohocken ★★★★★ I cannot express how grateful I am for Jonathan and team at Excel Therapy. My initial visit with Jonathan I had no mobility in my shoulder. Because of his care and treatment, my progress has been incredible. I recommend 100%.Response from the ownerHearing this feedback means so much to us – thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St ★★★★★ We’ve been bringing our 3 yr old here for almost a year now. Maria is amazing with her and has definitely worked her magic to get our shy kiddo to open up to her. Our little one went from barely talking to talking a bunch and does so well. We’ve also interacted with Lindsey and my kiddo adores her. Everyone is always so nice and happy when we’re there.Response from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, Milford ★★★★★ My child has been going here for a few months now. He’s had several different therapists until we found the schedule that worked for us. Each one has been amazing, kind and very good at communicating. The office and staff are also easy to speak to and explain everything so you understand. They’re also accommodating and understanding if you need to change a schedule or re-schedule a day. My son loves coming here and is always excited for his “therapy days”. Thank you.Response from the ownerThank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, Cincinnati – Western Hills ★★★★★ I am very satisfied with my therapy at Excel. The therapists know what they are doing and keep an eye on everything you do and let you know if you are doing it correctly, Every one is friendly and I never have to wait. The location is convenient with plenty of parking.Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Excel PT, King of Prussia ★★★★★ My experience at Ivy Physical Therapy has been great! Both PT’s took the time to help explain my issue and helped me feel better short term and long term. They really care for their patients and are a pleasure to talk to during the appointment. 🙂 ★★★★★ I had an amazing experience and overall health improvement during my therapy sessions at Ivy Rehab Physical therapy. Patrick did a phenomenal job ensuring I was getting better each session and was a great therapist overall to work with! Highly recommend coming here if you are considering choosing Ivy Rehab in Norfolk, VA.Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Norfolk – Granby ★★★★★ I was diagnosed with benign positional vertigo, Matt was professional, efficient and most of all, very knowledgeable about my ailment. He affirmed what the problem was and did the proper maneuver and fixed it on the first try. I would highly recommend PTW to anyone who needs rehab. I felt horrible for 10 days, now I feel reborn. ★★★★★ I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab! Ross expertly crafted a rehabilitation program that was customized to my specific needs and goals. Additionally, the team had flexible scheduling options and made each session fun!Response from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Philadelphia – Center City ★★★★★ Ivy Rehab- Granby Location. Visited 5-6 times for a roller skating fall I had in Spring of this year. Staff was great, professional and really gave me the tools to I needed to speed my recovery. Highly recommend this facility.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Norfolk – Granby ★★★★★ In a matter of a few weeks, twice a day doing the exercises Caroline Trezona (Cary Green Level Rd location) set out for me, the shoulder pain from my 25-year-old rotator cuff rupture is all but gone. This relieves me from having to endure a surgery that would have put my right arm entirely out of action for months at a time when it would be an impossible hardship. I’ve returned to see her now for help with my age-and-injury-weakened knee (40-year-old ACL rupture) and again, in just a few weeks, my balance is very remarkably improved.Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Cary ★★★★★ Adam and the entire team helped me recover from my shoulder replacement surgery.From the heat treatments, the massages and the various stretching and weight bearing exercises I have returned to almost normal functioning. I am extremely pleased.Response from the ownerYour kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Conshohocken ★★★★★ I have been seeing Megan twice a week for a few months for lower back pain and she has made such a difference for me. Working with Megan, my pain has decreased significantly, and I have progressed my exercises to build strength to keep the pain down. Every session, Megan listens to my concerns since the last meeting, discusses thoughtful next steps, and encourages me. I would recommend her to anyone needing a PT.Also, the office itself is in a great location and the office front desk manager and PT aides are extremely kind and helpful, as well. The whole team has made the experience as smooth as possible, and I feel lucky to have found them!Response from the ownerThat’s wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg ★★★★★ Arvid, was/is an amazing physical therapist. Always very focus on the patient and trying to find different exercises to get the patient in a better place through recovery. His personality is pleasant and fun!Great experience!AAResponse from the ownerIt’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, North Arlington ★★★★★ I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers. My husband worked with Kevin a few years ago after his back surgery. He made such good progress with Kevin, I knew that’s who I wanted to work with me on my knee. I just had a total knee replacement 2 1/2 months ago. Kevin knew just what I needed. His exercises are spot on, and he has answered all of my questions about how or why my knee feels like it does as we progress.I have also worked with Rachel a few times, both before and after my surgery. She is very knowledgeable and helpful and kind.Shannon, our friendly patient coordinator, greets everyone as we walk in. Ask her any question and she’ll have the answer. She will handle scheduling your appointments and can help with insurance matters.I will end the way I began…..I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers. ★★★★★ Park Sports was amazing for getting back to running after injury. Megan kept things fun while professional and educated me on the intention of the exercises I was given, which was really helpful. I also appreciated the guidance from the PT assistants (Tyra, Emilia) that helped me through the recovery! Huge shout out to Emmanuel who was also incredibly patient and efficient with handling scheduling/billing questions.Response from the ownerThank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg ★★★★★ Highly recommend, very positive experience!After tearing my Achilles playing basketball, Tyler, Adam, and Michelle helped me go from non-weight bearing to running. Over the past five months, the Ivy Rehab team has consistently provided me with different exercises to regain muscle size, improve stability and range of motion, and simulate various athletic movements to regain muscle memory. The Ivy Rehab team was very personable and knowledgeable especially when answering specific questions about the cause of my injury, various timelines throughout PT, and how to combat new pains/feelings from my injury.Response from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Conshohocken ★★★★★ Joe and the entire staff was fantastic. Got my lower back into a better position with less pain than it was when I started. Showed me some really good exercises I continue to do everyday to keep improving.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, West Deptford ★★★★★ Jason is a proactive, caring, and knowledgeable physical therapist to work with. I have been grateful for his efforts and commitment to get me back on the tennis courts at my best. This is my second stint with Excel Physical Therapy, and I am glad to have them supporting me to recuperate.Response from the ownerHi Murli – thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We’re very happy to hear about your experience with Jason and know that you’re back on the courts. ★★★★★ Hello. Love this place all the staff are so good I definitely feel that they have helpedMe so much. They really take a lot of proud in what they doResponse from the ownerThank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Shelby! ★★★★★ After just a handful of visits to Excel and working with Aaron and Jon and the staff, I am already feeling stronger and excited to commit to my recovery with their expertise and encouragement. Aaron has already gone above and beyond during sessions to truly understand my injury and source of discomfort and to give realistic progression expectations. Their interactions with me and other patients in the office has been caring, professional and knowledgeable. It is a truly well-staffed, well-run operation and I highly recommend.Response from the ownerIt’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield js_loader
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