Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Tissue Flossing
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy/Tissue Flossing
Soft tissue “flossing,” aka blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is the practice of using therapeutic elastic bands on extremities and joints. Flossing creates a brief and partial interruption of venous outflow (while maintaining arterial flow) to the tissues by tightening the band around the area of focus (at a tension of no more than 50% stretch) while performing low to no-load movements. It creates positive change within the tissues and joints via compression, tension and movement. All of this results in increased ranges of motion, advanced recovery time, decreased pain, increased strength, and improved functional movement.
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Common injuries such as sprained ankles, strained muscles and post-operative surgery stiffness can benefit from such techniques.
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Mechanical Benefits
Blood flow restriction during passive or active ranges of motion while under light load can contribute to improved fascial glide and dynamic joint mobility. These are critical components for a successful patient recovery inside and outside of the clinic.​
Compression can force edema or swelling into the lymphatic system for drainage and influence the positioning of the joint. Both effects have a direct impact on movement patterns and ranges of motion.
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Neurological Benefits
Touch immediately creates a neurological response from the brain. Regarding tissue flossing, research has shown positive results in the areas of pain management, increased proprioception, motor control and the regulation of the nervous system.
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For patients experiencing pain, not only can tissue flossing contribute to providing relief, it will also bring awareness to the dysfunctional area and promote faster healing. For patients who have lost feeling or sensation in an extremity, tissue flossing may also play a role in rehabilitation of proprioception.
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Chemical Benefits
Blood flow restriction causes a chemical cascade produces within the tissues. The rush of hormones and blood flow following release of the tension has been shown to improve recovery, create strength gains with minimal loads, increase hypertrophy, and induce a higher recruitment of fast twitch fibers (due to the reduced availability of oxygen while under the restriction of the band).
These chemical responses have big implications as it pertains to rehabilitation and performance. Tissue flossing can be done both around the actual muscle bellies, such as quadriceps/hamstrings, biceps/triceps, and the lower leg. It can also be applied directly to the joints such as the ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, or elbows. It’s crucial that you avoid flossing the head, neck, or chest.
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Contraindications for tissue flossing include:
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High Blood Pressure
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Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Pregnancy
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Varicose Veins
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Cardiac Disease