BCHC Adds Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

By: Aprill Murphy

Albion, NE (February 18, 2025) – Boone County Health Center (BCHC) Physical Therapy has added Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy as a rehabilitation option for patients looking to safely build strength and improve recovery while minimizing joint stress.

BFR therapy uses a specialized inflatable cuff placed on the arm or leg during targeted exercises. The cuff applies carefully controlled pressure, allowing patients to gain strength and muscle mass using very light resistance. This makes it especially helpful for patients who are recovering from surgery, dealing with pain, or unable to tolerate heavier loads early in rehabilitation.

“Basically, this type of training allows patients to achieve strength and muscle gains similar to heavy resistance training while using much lighter weights, which people’s joints really love,” said Wyatt Mazour, PT, DPT, CSCS, DNPro, one of the physical therapists providing BFR therapy at BCHC.

BCHC began offering BFR therapy after purchasing SmartCuffs 4.0 units last November. These advanced cuffs personalize pressure for each patient and adjust in real time, helping ensure safe and precise treatment throughout each session.

In addition to Mazour, BFR therapy is also provided by McKenna Rossmeier, PT, DPT, along with physical therapist assistants (PTAs) Clay Patrick and Amber Salwei. All providers have completed continuing education and hands-on training in BFR to ensure safe and effective use.

BFR is particularly beneficial for post-surgical patients, athletes returning to sport, and individuals experiencing chronic joint pain or swelling. It can help minimize muscle loss after surgery, reduce joint swelling, and accelerate strength gains during rehabilitation. Because lighter loads are used, many patients also report less post-workout soreness.

Salwei, who has used BFR extensively with athletes, notes that many patients experience shorter rehabilitation timelines and improved pain levels when BFR is incorporated appropriately into their plan of care.

Patients often describe BFR sessions as challenging but rewarding. While the workout can feel intense at first, many report that it becomes more manageable after a few sessions and that their pain is often improved following treatment.

BFR therapy is not appropriate for every patient, as certain health conditions may be contraindicated. BCHC physical therapy staff carefully screen each patient and review a waiver prior to beginning BFR to ensure it is a safe option.

Patients interested in learning more about Blood Flow Restriction therapy can contact Boone County Health Center Physical Therapy to see if it may be a good fit for their rehabilitation needs.