Build strength with less load
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) rehabilitation uses a specialized cuff to temporarily and safely reduce blood flow to a working limb while you perform low-load exercises.
BFR allows your muscles to experience a stronger training stimulus without requiring the heavier loads normally associated with strength training. This can be particularly useful when pain, injury, surgery, or other limitations make traditional strengthening difficult.
At Bodyworx, BFR is completed using the gold standard Delfi Pro BFR unit. Cuff pressure, exercise selection, and intensity are all individually tailored to your needs, goals, and stage of rehabilitation.
What can BFR help with?
BFR can be useful during rehabilitation for:
Post-operative strengthening (ACL reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty)
Muscle weakness or atrophy
Knee, hip, and lower-limb injuries
Tendon rehabilitation
Recovery following periods of reduced activity or immobilization
Maintaining or rebuilding strength when heavier loads aren't appropriate
Returning to sport or higher-level activity
Frequently asked Questions
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BFR should feel like a challenging deep muscle burn felt during intensive exercise, but it should not be painful. You will experience a feeling of pressure and muscle fatigue during the exercise.
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No. That's one of the main benefits of BFR. Exercises are typically performed using weights at ~20-40% of your 1 rep max, while the cuff provides the additional stimulus needed to promote strength and muscle adaptation.
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BFR is used as one component of your physiotherapy program rather than as a stand-alone treatment. Your program may also include progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, movement retraining, and sport-specific rehabilitation.
Ready to build strength?
If pain, injury, or surgery is limiting your ability to strengthen normally, BFR may help you make progress with less load.
Book an assessment with a Bodyworx physiotherapist to see if personalized BFR rehabilitation is right for you.