Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training, and we frequently use it in physical therapy to help patients recover from injuries, maintain muscle strength and mitigate muscle loss. We’ve received many questions about how BFR works, so let’s dive into its benefits and who might benefit from it.
If you’re an active adult or even a high school athlete dealing with low back pain, you might be tempted to rely on a weight belt when lifting. But as a sports physical therapy professional that sees many patients struggling with back pain, I don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
When it comes to sports recovery, athletes today have access to an overwhelming number of tools—foam rollers, ice baths, saunas, compression boots, and more. But what’s actually worth your time? And what recovery methods truly make a difference?
When one of my patients recently asked, “What stretches should I be doing?” my answer surprised them: none. While stretching often feels like the go-to solution for muscle tightness, the real issue may not be a lack of flexibility. Instead, the body’s tightness is often a protective response, signaling something deeper that needs attention.
One of the most fascinating lessons I ever learned came from a course taught by a Louisiana native. He opened by describing how to wrestle an alligator—not exactly what I expected in a physical therapy context. But as he unpacked the metaphor, it turned out to be a great analogy for human movement and performance.
Your core—your trunk—is so much more than just a six-pack waiting to be revealed. Its primary function is to manage internal pressure and support your body against gravity. Think of it as your body’s central stability system.
