Blood flow restriction training (BFR) involves the use of a
specialized pressure tourniquet on the exercising limb - either the arm or leg. This cuff temporarily reduces arterial inflow and venous outflow into the limb. Exercising in this manner allows the use of low intensity exercise to elicit positive adaptations in muscle size, strength, or endurance typically associated with much heavier loads or higher intensity exercises.

Possible indications for BFR include:

• Pain reduction as a therapeutic intervention.

• Create a window of opportunity to load heavy while managing pain. 

• Pain relief after surgery.

• Restoring range of motion (ROM).  

• Limit swelling that might be caused by load.

Strong evidence indicates that BFR produces clinically significant
changes in strength, hypertrophy, and angiogenesis.