Physical therapy is a key part of recovering from many surgeries and injuries. And in such situations, physical therapy typically involves some form of resistance training to help build back the strength and functionality of affected muscles. But sometimes, an injury or surgery makes regular resistance training difficult or painful. This is where techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy can help.

Physical therapist Scott Gorham offered a detailed introduction to BFR on this episode of the For Health’s Sake podcast. He touched on its history, from being a decades-old bodybuilding tool to its more recent use in helping veterans, as well as its current position in physical therapy programs. The rest of our conversation covered:

• How blood flow restriction therapy works
• Benefits of blood flow restriction therapy
• Conditions that blood flow restriction can help
• Combining blood flow restriction with other therapies

Find out if blood flow restriction therapy is right for you

BFR therapy can be a very effective way to improve strength and accelerate recovery. And while the phrase “blood flow restriction” may sound intense, Scott emphasized that it’s nothing to be afraid of. As he put it, “There has been plenty of research done that shows that, if it’s administered correctly with the right equipment and with the right individual, blood flow restriction is very safe.”