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What is the Blood Flow Restriction Program?

The blood flow restriction program at Group23 Sports Medicine was established to assist patients in gaining muscle strength and size in an injured or weak muscle group while reducing the stress placed on the recovering limb. The goal of this technique is to help speed up recovery and help patients get back to movement. Blood flow restriction can also be used to reduce muscle atrophy and assist in strength development.

Understanding Blood Flow Restriction

It has been generally accepted that muscle hypertrophy requires high-intensity training utilizing loads of at least 70% of 1-repetition max (RM) or lower loads (30-50% RM) until failure. However, there is mounting evidence that now supports low-load resistance training (20-40% RM) combined with blood flow restriction can similarly induce muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
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When Can It Be Used

Blood flow restriction training can be used when the goal is to increase muscle size and strength in an individual who is load-compromised. For example, after most surgeries and musculoskeletal injuries, there is a period of time when you must respect the surgical site and tissue healing timelines by employing lower-load exercises. It can also be used when regular exercise is just too painful or with athletes looking to gain a competitive edge in addition to regular training.
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Accessing the Clinic

1

Step 1

The first appointment is a one-on-one session with a trained physiotherapist. During this visit, patients will be screened for potential contraindications to the treatment and taught the principles of the technique.
2

Step 2

The first visit also includes a demo of the machine and one full exercise session using the machine with full physiotherapy supervision. The demo will allow patients to use the machine on their own in the future.
3

Step 3

Subsequent training sessions can be booked online. When you arrive, you will connect yourself to the machine and perform the exercises that were given to you in your first appointment. A physiotherapy assistant can help if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to the program?
The cost of the program varies depending on how many sessions are required for optimal recovery. The first meeting with your physiotherapist is insurable. The blood flow restriction exercise sessions are not insurable and cost $20.00 + GST per session.

No. You can access the Blood Flow Restriction Program without a formal referral from your family doctor. To book your appointment, click here.

The frequency of sessions will be discussed and determined at your one-on-one meeting and will vary depending on goals and injury.
You should wear exercise shorts and clothing that will allow you to perform the exercises and connect to the flood flor restriction device.

Locations

Winsport
Chinook
Shea Quilichini

Physiotherapist
BSc, MScPT, CGIMS

Born and raised in Calgary, Shea’s interest in physiotherapy began after completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. After working for several years as a kinesiologist, he went on to earn his Master’s in Physiotherapy from McMaster University.
 
Since graduating, Shea has gained clinical experience in sport medicine and orthopaedic settings, including the McMaster Sport Medicine Clinic, the University of Calgary, and a specialized hip and hockey clinic in Oakville. He has completed his Certificate in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (GunnIMS) through the University of British Columbia and his Intermediate Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Shea is registered with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta and is on both the spinal manipulation and dry needling rosters.
 
Shea treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, with a special focus on low back, hip, knee, neck and nerve pain.  His approach combines hands-on therapy, targeted exercise, and practical education to help patients recover and build lasting resilience. Each treatment plan is individualized, whether the goal is managing a new injury or working through persistent pain.  As a musician himself, Shea also enjoys working with musicians, as well as recreational and competitive athletes, helping them return to their highest level of function with confidence.
 
Outside the clinic, Shea enjoys exploring the Rockies and spending time in the backcountry, staying active year-round. He values time with friends and family,  trying new restaurants around the city, and almost always has a creative project underway – feel free to ask him what he’s building next!
Claire Froese

Physiotherapist
MScPT

Claire graduated with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 2020. 

 

Much of Claire’s passion for, and interest in, the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation came from her own personal journey as an athlete in sport. She played soccer at a high level throughout her junior high and high school years and then went on to play CIS university level soccer as well. During those years she was inspired by the difference that a number of physiotherapists and athletic therapists made in her own life, both personally and from a rehabilitation perspective, and this encouraged her to ultimately pursue her own career in Physiotherapy.  

 

Claire is passionate about partnering with and motivating people to reach their highest potential, regardless of age, current activity level or ability. She wants to empower you to move better and feel stronger in your every day life and help you achieve your goals; whether that be returning to play as an athlete or someone looking to get back to their activities of daily living. Claire likes to incorporate education, manual therapy techniques and strength and conditioning principles into her practice in order to treat a variety of different injuries and conditions. 

 

In her free time, Claire can be found spending time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors and specifically enjoys road biking, running and walking her dog.