CurrentCPT, Personal trainerCSCS, Strength and conditioning specialist
Blood flow restriction training
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At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateChiropractic laws often allow exercise-based rehabilitation but none we found names blood flow restriction, and some are much narrower, so whether it is allowed depends on your state board.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistWithin scopeBlood flow restriction training is generally treated as part of physical therapist practice, with the expectation that the therapist has specific training in it.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistVaries by stateWe found no occupational therapy practice act that names blood flow restriction; whether an occupational therapist may use it depends on your state board's reading of its modality and competence rules.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerVaries by statePractice acts rarely name blood flow restriction; athletic trainers' exercise-based rehabilitation can include it, but whether it is allowed depends on your state board.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalPrescribing or supervising exercise, including blood flow restriction training, is generally not part of massage therapy.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
A cuff around the upper arm or thigh limits blood flow while the person exercises with light weights, aiming for strength gains without heavy loading.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Across professions | BFR training | |
| Across professions | Occlusion training | An older, less precise term |
What the bodies say
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