Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for Hamstring Injuries

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a training strategy which involves the use of cuffs or pliers placed proximally around a limb, with the intent of maintaining arterial inflow while occluding lymph flow through exercise (According to Scott et al. 2015).

BFR, or blood flow restriction training, has been utilized throughout a range of exercise modes. These include cycling, walking and strength training. When doing resistance training with blood flow restriction therapy, tight cuffs or pliers are commonly utilized. Virtually, blood flow restriction training is most frequently employed when utilizing resistance training with low loads of around 20 to 30 percent of 1RM and with wraps that are wrapped at a perceived tightness of 7 out of 10.

When compression of the vasculature proximal to the muscles is achieved via other means, the expression blood flow restriction training is more commonly used. An alternative way of employing this pressure is through the usage of knee bends. This sort of blood flow restriction therapy can be termed blood flow restriction training that was sensible to distinguish it from the method in which inflated cuffs are utilized to produce a strain.

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Findings

Blood flow restricted (BFR) training is a safe and effective method of improving power and strength in healthy, active people. A relatively unexplored possibility of this modality lies in treating patients with musculoskeletal injury and hamstring weakness despite improvement during postoperative strengthening, and conventional therapy.

This case series describes patients with chronic quadriceps and hamstring weakness who received an intervention of BFR at low loads, 20 percent of 1 repetition max (1RM), to restore strength. There was a case series conducted of seven patients, all situated with traumatic injuries. The seven patients were treated in the same center and using the BFR protocol. All seven patients had dynamometer testing that demonstrated thigh muscle weakness despite 35 to 75 percent torque deficit in flexion or knee extension and rehab with therapy in comparison with the lower extremity. Patients underwent two weeks of BFR training therapy using a pneumatic tourniquet set at 110 mm Hg while performing leg extensions, leg presses, and leg presses.

All affected extremities were retested after two weeks (six therapy sessions). Dynamometer measurements were done with flexion and extension. The data recorded included peak torque normalized for moderate power, body weight, and work.

All seven patients showed improvements in peak torque, moderate power, and overall work for both knee flexion and extension, with power being the most improved overall. Peak torque improved an average of 13 to 37 percent, based on speed and contraction direction. Average electricity improved a mean of 42 to 81 percent, and workforce improved a mean of 35 to 55 percent.

Conclusion

Blood flow restriction (BFR) treatment at low loads can impact development in muscular strength in patients who are unable to perform high-resistance exercise or individuals who have persistent extremity weakness despite conventional treatment. Blood circulation limitation training seems to be effective and safe. But, specific caution ought to be expressed regarding its usage under particular conditions, and for prolonged amounts of time.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Sports Care

Athletes engage in a series of stretches and exercises on a daily basis in order to prevent damage or injury from their specific sports or physical activities as well as to promote and maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. However, when injuries or conditions occur as a result of an accident or due to repetitive degeneration, getting the proper care and treatment can change an athlete’s ability to return to play as soon as possible and restore their original health.

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