On this episode of Rehab and Performance Lab, we sit down with Johnny Owens, MPT, a trailblazer in blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and the founder of Owens Recovery Science. Together with host Phil Plisky, we explore how BFR has reshaped rehabilitation by allowing rehab practitioners to build muscle strength and improve recovery in patients unable to tolerate heavy loads. Phil and Johnny discuss how BFR works physiologically, the science and robust research behind it, and clinical applications for a variety of conditions, including postoperative limb injuries, tendinopathy, Parkinson’s disease, and much more. Listen in for practical insights on implementing this game-changing tool and where the research is taking us next in rehab and performance.

• Examine the application of blood flow restriction training
• Interpret the mechanisms behind BFR and how they could impact muscle
• Solve patient case scenarios involving injury/surgery and pain

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:01) Introduction to blood flow restriction (BFR) in rehab
• (00:06:15) The origin and development of BFR
• (00:11:33) Understanding the mechanisms of BFR
• (00:15:32) Research and evidence supporting BFR
• (00:19:29) Clinical applications and considerations for BFR
• (00:27:16) Early intervention in rehabilitation
• (00:32:02) Understanding contraindications for BFR
• (00:36:05) Analgesic benefits of BFR
• (00:38:45) Tendon adaptations and BFR
• (00:44:07) Case studies: practical applications of BFR
• (00:50:18) The broader impact of BFR on health

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Owens Recovery Science
• A Comprehensive Approach to the Use of Blood Flow Restriction in ACL Rehab (Recorded Webinar)

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/