For Therapists
Learn how PBFR can benefit your practice
The knowledge and tools you need
fig. 1 – PBFR Device
Pioneered by Owens Recovery Science’s founder, Johnny Owens MTP, this novel training method has been developed to speed your patients’ recovery, resulting in improved muscle endurance in 1/3 of the training time.
Understanding the mechanism and safe application of partial occlusion training and the implications of using the correct type of device will ensure a safe and effective clinical practice. A doppler-type personal tourniquet system that is licensed as a medical device by Health Canada is recommended for certified practitioners.
A broad and contoured cuff is worn around the upper arm or leg. Each person’s individualized occlusive pressure is accurately measured and maintained throughout the short duration of exercise. The blood flow is then reduced by a certain percentage, while excercising at light load, for approximately 6.5 minutes (strengthening protocol) or 15 – 20 minutes (endurance training protocol). Thus the minimum pressure for the most safe and effective treatment outcome is used.
fig. 2 – Tourniquet Cuff
PBFR has made a huge difference in the Return to Performance strategies for our athletes. It has enhanced our high performance environment by providing an avenue of training that is safe, and effective in the acute and early period of injury/surgical recovery.
It has been by far, the most effective in maintaining and rebuilding muscle bulk, and an extremely well received intervention by the athletes. Our players are grateful for a way to train and counter atrophy in their injury return.
Take your therapy to the next level
Susan Deslippe is Canada’s foremost PBFR educator and instructor of Owen’s Recovery Science (ORS) certification courses. The rehab teams for the Canadian military, national and international sports teams and athletes have turned to her for her PBFR expertise.
Susan is now available to medical professionals including physiotherapists, medical physicians, chiropractors, ATs or OTs who are interested in Canada’s most comprehensive PBFR training.
This training has been created by Owens Recovery Science (ORS) founder, Johnny Owens MTP, a physiotherapist at the forefront of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction training, education and research. Owens has been published extensively in the peer-reviewed literature and his work has been featured on 60 Minutes, Time magazine, NPR, Discovery Channel and ESPN.
benefits of your PBFR certification
Learn from the best
Valuable insight
Comprehensive training
Gain experience
Stand out in the industry
Implementation FAQs
Why is it important to use personalized pressure rather than an arbitrary fixed pressure?
For more information, please refer to Why is it Crucial to Use Personalized Occlusion Pressures in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation? McEwen JA, Owens JG, Jeyasurya JJ. Med. Biol. Eng., 2018.
Can I use any device to do PBFR in the clinic, like knee wrap, blood pressure cuff or other advertised device I've seen?
Pneumatic tourniquets are classified and regulated Class II medical devices by Health Canada. We would not recommend that a clinician use a device that has not been device-listed with Health Canada and is not indicated for PBFR use specifically to occlude blood flow on a patient in the clinical setting. Knee wraps, blood pressure cuffs and other devices suggested for PBFR are not licensed as medical devices and are therefore not recommended. They may cause injury to the patient and may leave the clinician susceptible to liability.
I attended the PBFR course with Susan Deslippe in Vancouver, BC in April 2018. I found the course very interesting and immediately thought of patients I would like to use this technique on. The ability to train/strengthen deconditioned and painful limbs using lighter loads is very intriguing and the research provided during the course added credibility to it’s success. Susan provided excellent knowledge and expertise throughout the day and I would recommend this course to any therapist who treats orthopaedic injuries.
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Whether you're wanting to add PBFR to your clinical practice or need more information about the therapy, we're here to help. Contact us to get started today!