Blood flow restriction training is now widely considered as ‘revolutionary’ especially in the field of rehabilitation. In this type of weight training program, a surgical tourniquet, which is more like a blood pressure cuff, is applied to the injured limb so that blood flow will be partially restricted while the patient engages in body weight strength training. In comparison to traditional strength training programs, this form of training does not require heavy loads to gain muscle mass. In fact, this training can be performed at very low resistance.
Blood Flow Restriction Training for Injured Athletes
Blood flow restriction or occlusion training is now being evaluated by a number of sports clubs to rehabilitate their injured athletes. One good example of this is the Houston Texans NFL football team where the 2014 top pick Jadeveon Clowney is playing for.
According to studies, this form of body weight strength training has a lot of positive effects and benefits on muscle and skeletal form, and how the muscles function. What has impressed sports organizations is that this training can be performed at low resistance while increasing muscle mass and strength. It also eliminates the risk of injuries that can be caused by traditional muscle building methods, which typically require heavy resistance training.
Physical therapist and chief of human performance optimization at BAMC explained that the ability of blood flow resistance training to develop muscle size and strength at low loads is the primary reason why such training method is beneficial for wounded athletes. This training method is perfect for those athletes who want to know how to increase muscle size while recovering from injuries like damaged cartilage, ruptured patellar tendons, and even torn ACLs.
The therapist further explained that many injured athletes have severely damaged limbs, and so they are physically incapable of performing any traditional weight training program. But with blood flow restriction training, they are able to gain and improve the function of their muscles without putting at risk they soft tissue and vulnerable joints.
Is Blood Flow Restriction Training Safe?
The safety of applying restriction bands on the limbs during exercise remains questionable in the minds of many. Experts say that this is quite understandable because this technique has never been used before. Researchers pointed out, however, that occlusion training is being performed in a supervised environment. Athletes are also assisted by trained staff, and specialized resistance bands are used.
In order to get the most out of this body weight strength training program, it is important to use the right resistance bands. Occlusion Training Bands by BFR Bands are a perfect choice when performing occlusion training. These bands are durable and safe to use. The Elite Model of BFR Bands are specifically designed to help you grow muscles fast without lifting heavy weights.
