FAQ
Helping you make an
informed decision
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a PBFR training session? What does PBFR feel like and is it uncomfortable?
During a PBFR session, your ORS-certified medical practitioner will apply the wide tourniquet cuff to your upper arm or leg using a PTS or personalized tourniquet system (pneumatic device) to automatically measure the specific, partial occlusion pressure for you, resulting in reduced blood flow by either 50% (arm) or 80% (leg). When the cuff is inflated to this personalized pressure, you may feel a tightness around your upper arm or leg. As you perform an exercise prescribed by your medical practitioner (for 1 set of 30 reps and 3 sets of 15 reps), you will feel as if you are exercising hard and will notice a muscle ‘burn’ during the final sets of exercises. This feels similar to doing a heavy workout but eases immediately once the cuff is removed. This exercise session usually takes only 6 1/2 minutes and once completed, there is usually no lingering muscle soreness (since you used only a very light load). Indeed many people feel better immediately afterwards.
Is PBFR safe for me?
Much research work has already been carried out to ensure PBFR is safe. It has been trialed on thousands of subjects resulting in little or no side effects, and reported upon in peer-reviewed literature. For optimal safety and efficacy, your medical practitioner is encouraged to use a personalized tourniquet system (PTS) indicated specifically for PBFR use and licensed as a medical device by Health Canada.
What conditions can be effectively treated with PBFR?
PBFR is a very effective treatment option for:
• Knee Reconstructions
• Cartilage Repairs
• Tendon Injuries and Repairs
• Extremity Fractures
• Inflammatory Myopathies
• Muscle Strains
• Joint Sprains
• Nerve Injuries (where muscle is still partially innervated)
• Rotator Cuff Repairs
• Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Hip, Ankle, and Shoulder
• Arthroscopies
• General Debility, Weakness, or Sarcopenia
• Impingement Syndromes of the Hip and Shoulder
• Total Joint Replacement
• Musculoskeletal Trauma
• Spinal Pathology
What are the indications for PBFR?
• Diminish atrophy and loss of strength from disuse and immobility after injuries
• Increase strength with only 30% loads
• Increase hypertrophy (muscle bulk) with only 30% loads
• Improve endurance in 1/3 of the training time
• Improve muscle protein synthesis in the elderly
• Improve strength and hypertrophy after surgery
• Improve muscle activation
• Increase growth hormone responses
If PBFR can help me to regain or improve muscle strength more rapidly, how will this affect my injury, symptoms and daily life?
How long does it take to see increased strength?
The duration of PBFR training depends upon the frequency of sessions per week, your injury status, training needs and goals and is best discussed with your ORS certified physiotherapist or medical practitioner. Training for x2 or x3 sessions weekly for a 3-4 week training program is often recommended. Training only once weekly can also achieve good results but the duration of this program may need to be extended through approximately 6-8 weeks. Many competitive athletes may choose to train more frequently to speed up their injury recovery and/or improve their performance.
Can PBFR help to regain muscle bulk and strength following older injuries and chronic muscle atrophy?
Yes. Scientific evidence has demonstrated PBFR to be effective in regaining muscle bulk and strength even in situations of chronic muscle atrophy. Furthermore, endurance exercise performed with PBFR has been demonstrated to result in improved muscle endurance in 1/3 of the training time.
How long should PBFR sessions continue?
I am scheduled to have knee surgery. When should I begin PBFR?
I am an athlete. Can PBFR training help improve my performance?
1. Increased muscle strength without significant muscle damage due to the light loads used. Minimal or no DOMS post-training results in a quicker recovery. Training sessions may be scheduled more frequently leading right up to game/race day.
2. Enhanced cardiovascular fitness with PBFR endurance training. The gains are achieved in a shorter training window – typically 15-20 minutes – compared to an equivalent non-PBFR training session of 45 minutes.
3. Potential benefits associated with ischaemic pre-conditioning and enhanced post-exercise recovery are reported in the scientific literature. The exact mechanisms are being investigated and early results appear to be promising.
These effects make PBFR a popular and exciting intervention for medical practitioners working alongside professional and recreational athletes.
When should PBFR NOT be performed?
FOOTNOTES
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Kraemer WJ, Adams K, Cafarelli E, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand: progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34(2): 364–80.
Loenneke, J. P., Wilson, J. M., Marin, P. J., Zourdos, M. C., & Bemben, M. G. (2012). Low intensity blood flow restriction training: a meta-analysis. Eur J Appl Physiol, 112 (5), 1849- 1859. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-2167
Hughes, Luke, et al. “Blood flow restriction training in clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Br J Sports Med (2017);51:1003–1011. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-097071
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