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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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

Excellent4.8★★★★★ review us on ★★★★★ ‘Been attending physical therapy sessions at the Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy location in North Arlington twice weekly for approximately two months. It’s a beautifully maintained facility with highly competent and upbeat therapists. Ultimately I will require surgery to wholly fix my back problem, so I didn’t expect “noticeable” results. However, I find lately I am requiring far less pain medication as I am experiencing longer periods of relative comfort [a Godsend!] so clearly the results while subtle are REAL. I highly recommend Ivy!Response 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 ★★★★★ This place was amazing! My son and I both loved it!!! The staff was excellent, patient and kind! The place was very clean and had a lot of fun tools for the kids to meet any expectations they desired! Hands down 5 stars, we are truly going to miss everyone and everything about it.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Canton ★★★★★ Connie was very good at explaining excercise an and showing me the proper way to do them . The program she put together for me helped me strengthen my shoulder and return to normal activities in a few short weeks . ExcellentResponse from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Princeton ★★★★★ I went to Ivy to gain my range of motion back after having surgery. It was a great experience. My knee is back to normal and feels great. Denise awesome, made me feel comfortable and really cares, and it shows. I’ll be back for any problems I have in the future. Thanks so much! 😊👍Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Grand Blanc ★★★★★ Joe is an excellent therapist and I made progress within my first week. This is week 3 and I am 60% for range of motion. He takes his time with each patient. He does not rush anyone. Joe is always checking on any pain. He offers heat and electric stimulation. Colleen and Kris are always cleaning and offering water several times during my hour therapy. They are pleasant and kind.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, West Deptford ★★★★★ I can’t recommend the Excel team highly enough. They not only eliminated my pain but set me up for future success with the stretches and exercises I may need in the future. The team works together to make it an excellent – and even fun – experience for patients. Thank you all!Response from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield ★★★★★ I cannot recommend this facility enough. The expertise and care that these therapists show makes going through something as difficult as therapy easier. I travel past many other therapy offices because the therapists and staff are fantastic here. My family has used this office for many years/injuries.Response from the ownerWe value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Island Park ★★★★★ Initially apprehensive, my first PT to treat pain/soreness in hip and pelvic region and I was not disappointed. Kevin is extremely knowledgeable, patient and friendly. After just 1 appointment, Kevin was able to gently work out most, if not all, of the discomfort I’d been feeling. Much more comfortable than I had expected. Problems haven’t returned since last visit a few months ago, but I sure know where to go if they do. They are very understanding and accommodating when it comes to my schedule. My only regret is that I can only give them 5 stars. ★★★★★ Working with the staff at Ivy Rehab is a pleasure. The front desk ladies work to accommodate your schedule and all of the physical therapists and assistants are very helpful. Torin Bacon is the best. He pushes you but is gentle and caring. I also live in South Carolina for 8 months a year but will not go home until the PT on my torn rotator cuff is finished it. Won’t trust anywhere or anyone (Torin and staff) to help me get moving! The BEST!Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Island Park ★★★★★ If you’re recovering from surgery, or looking to avoid surgery, this is your place! Their staff is knowledgeable, courteous, and encouraging. They listen to you, modify any exercise for your specific situation and work with you until a resolution is found.I’ve been through pelvic floor, hip, and elbow treatments including manual therapy, dry needling, stretching and strengthening. I will never go anywhere else now.Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Comstock Park ★★★★★ 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 gave me full range of motion after my knee replacement with gentle, persistant work and encouragement. I am very grateful to Kevin at Ivy and that my orthopedic surgeon specifically recommended them. ★★★★★ A week into my PT and Ivy Rehab with AK and his team have helped me so much. I am in almost zero pain from my meniscus knee sprain after 4 sessions. I always feel welcomed and cared for when I am there and they even go beyond their jobs and make sure they get to know you.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Naperville ★★★★★ Amazing staff! It’s a family like environment and everyone wants the best for you in your recovery. Couldn’t be happier with my experience there. Appreciate all the help getting my left knee stronger than ever. – Luis CaceresResponse from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Chesapeake! ★★★★★ All I can say is I’m SO grateful to have found Jessica!! I had been going to another PT location across town in Hoboken for my injury. After 3 visits I wasn’t happy at all. I felt like I was getting worse with each visit, the physical therapist and I weren’t on the same page and the PT spent more time chatting with the other staff members than paying attention to what was going on with me. I made the decision to put myself first and seek treatment elsewhere. Enter Ivy Rehab on 6th and Wash! I immediately felt at ease and a wave of relief in my first meeting with Jessica. She took the time and care to hear everything that was going on with my fluke injury, give me a super thorough assessment and really dug into what was going on and came up with a game plan, where I felt improvement after each week. She has a wonderful bedside manner, was 100% tuned into me during my whole session, explained things in detail in a way that I would understand… the best. And I have to give a shout out to Jerry – eagle eye! Jerry was awesome. Every time without fail before I came in everything I needed to do my exercises was out and ready for me. And even though he was helping multiple patients at a time, he always knew what exercise I was on 😛 And final shout out to the front desk gals. They were wonderful! There were a few times when days were fully booked, but added me to the waitlist. They actually call you if there’s an opening! Had the best experience at this location. Hoping I don’t need PT again any time soon, but if I do I know where I’m going!Response from the ownerWe are so grateful to have earned this 5-star review. Thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken ★★★★★ All of the staff at Ivy Rehab, Moorestown were friendly and professional. It made for a very nice environment. From the moment I made my first call they were super accommodating to me and my schedule. My DPT was Tanner Kerr and I cannot say enough good things about him. Tanner is someone who goes above and beyond for you. While I was in PT, he was in communication with my Dr. regularly and months after my discharge he was still willing to help me by answering questions, etc. If I ever need PT again for any reason, I would not hesitate to go back there and I would highly recommend Tanner.Response from the ownerWe value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Moorestown! ★★★★★ The team at Ivy Rehab Naperville is fantastic! I have been to other physical therapy centers over the years. The treatment I receive at Ivy Rehab was the best. Chandree and AK truly care for their patients, listen and treat in a customized and best way possible. The pain I used to have for years has been reduced significantly. Niso also follows up and accommodates the patients request for appointments. Overall a fantastic team.Thank you Ivy Rehab Naperville Team and keep up the good work!Response from the ownerThat’s wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Naperville ★★★★★ Steve Segal was a 1st class therapist. He was extremely professional, courteous and knowledgeable. His therapy plan was very helpful to my progress and pain control of my knee issues. His staff is very nice and accommodating. Ihighly recommend Therapeutics Unlimited of Englewood Cliffs. ★★★★★ A year ago I had my physical therapy at Ivy Rehab, at the North Arlington location. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful during my physical journey to recovery. I loved how much they all cared. They’re very experienced and professional. Paige and her team are wonderful and, I’m glad to have met you all. The facility is very clean and safe. I would definitely recommend you and your team to anyone who needed physical therapy. Thanks again for all you’ve done for me!Response from the ownerThank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, North Arlington ★★★★★ Miss Emma at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Canton is an absolute rockstar! Not only was she friendly and welcoming to my son, but she is also extremely dedicated to any kid who walks through the door. Thank you, Miss Emma, for your constant enthusiasm and hard work.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Canton ★★★★★ Post op knee surgery I had still had knee pain after my first round of PT. Muscles were still weaker than they should have been. Signed up at Excel and Joe was excellent. He’s very knowledgeable about biomechanics, strength training, and used more and different pt techniques than the first place I went to. This helped me gain a lot more strength quicker than than the basic PT routines. My knee pain has been significantly reduced and my leg feels and looks significantly stronger. Very welcoming and friendly staff as well. Highly recommend using Excel and Joe.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, West Deptford js_loader
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