On this episode we are joined by Jim Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CPAM, CSCS, to discuss blood flow restriction and its application to upper extremity rehab. Jim discusses the science behind blood flow restriction, how it can be utilized in the rehab setting, and how it can benefit patients. 

Article Links:

Comparison of blood flow restriction devices and their effect on quadriceps muscle activation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.02.005

Practical Blood Flow Restriction Training Increases Acute Determinants of Hypertrophy Without Increasing Indices of Muscle Damage.

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2013/11000/Practical_Blood_Flow_Restriction_Training.20.aspx

Blood Flow Restriction Training: Implementation into Clinical Practice.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609669/

Differences in the limb blood flow between two types of blood flow restriction cuffs: A pilot study. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.931270/full

Guest Bio:

Dr. Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CPAM, CSCS, is an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist with 28 years of clinical experience working in the upper extremity orthopedic setting. He received his post professional clinical doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with a specialty in hand therapy. Dr. Wagner is credentialed in physical agent modalities and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Jim is currently the team leader of the Guthrie Hand Center and is an adjunct professor at both Keuka and Ithaca College occupational therapy programs. He has been involved in competitive powerlifting/bodybuilding for 35 year and has participated in 28 competitions. Jim has traveled extensively teaching on topics such as kinesiology taping, cupping, instrument assisted soft tissue mobility, orthotic fabrication, and blood flow restriction training. Jim is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). He has been published in the practice forum section of the Journal of Hand Therapy and serves on the Education Division of the ASHT.