University of Tennessee: Blood Flow Restriction Training Certificate Program

The program consists of three modules:

1. BFRT I: 8-hours of online didactic material
2. BFRT II: 5.5-hours of hands-on lab via Interactive Video (limited to 30 per/lab)
3. BFRT III: Submitted Case Study and Online Exam

BFRT I: Online Didactic - 8.0 hours

Taught by recognized experts that include an orthopedic surgeon, DPT’s and Athletic Trainers.  The online portion of the course familiarizes the participant with the science behind BFRT. The agenda includes anatomy of the cardiopulmonary system, endocrine system, and musculoskeletal system. Participants will achieve a basic, working knowledge of the various factors that contribute to the successful application of BFRT. They will be able to explain these factors to others including professionals, patients, and clients.

You will understand contraindications and side effects of BFRT not only post-surgery, but also in non-surgical application, strength and conditioning, and fitness.

Online Topics Include

• An Introduction to BFRT
• Discussion of Regulatory Issues
• The Cardiopulmonary system
• Endocrinology
• The Musculoskeletal system
• Types of BFRT Equipment
• Safety, Contraindications, Effects
• The Business of BFRT
• A Review of Research
• BFRT in Rehabilitation
• BFRT in Strength and Fitness
• An Introduction to Protocols
• BFRT and Related Modalities

BFRT II: Lab - 5.5 hours (Select a date from the Virtual Lab Dates dropdown when purchasing course)

Hands-on lab via interactive video - 30 participants max per group

All labs are virtual and held on Saturdays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm CST.

The lab allows participants to use BFRT under guided instruction. Protocols based on years of BFRT application are shown. The instructor will guide you through the actual use of BFRT (using the provided cuffs) and you will experience for yourself its effect and better understand the role of the clinician and participant in optimizing proper treatment.

With our live “Max Interactive” format, you can see the instructor and they can see you.  Ask questions, show applications, make comments and guide other participants.

Instructions include the use of body weight, manual manipulation, CLX TheraBand’s, and equipment normally found in clinics and gyms.

Agenda

• Introduction and Review of BFRT I: Online Coursework
• Regulations, Professional Requirements
• Review and Discussion of Contraindications and Side Effects
• Demonstration of Proper Placement of BFRT, Observation, Interrogation, Pulse, Capillary Refill
• Demonstration of BFRT Fatigue State, Participants apply to each other in Contralateral to Experience Effect
• Demonstration and Application of BFR for Rehab Upper and Lower Extremities
• Demonstration and Application of BFR in Strength and Conditioning – Return to Play
• Demonstration and Application of BFR in Athletic Performance
• Demonstration and Application of BFR for “At-Risk” and Osteoarthritis Patients
• Interactive Q&A

BFRT III: Case Study and Online Exam

Participants are required to submit one case study on a subject of their choosing and subject to approval by the course instructor. The case study should span at least 3-4 weeks with 3 applications per week minimum.

Participants must take an online test and pass with at least 70% correct answers. Participants may retake the test until they achieve a passing score.

This course is presented by the following instructors:

• Dr. Trent Nessler, DPT - Dr. Nessler is the President of Rebound Vitality, as well as the Developer of the ViPerform AMI™ (Athletic Movement Index™) and ACL Play It Safe & Run Safe Programs. Dr. Nessler has performed movement assessments on over 5,000 athletes in the US and abroad and involved in multiple national and international projects related to movement assessment.
• Dr. Lonnie Paulos, MD - Dr. Paulos is a world-renown Orthopedic Surgeon and pioneer for arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair in the shoulder, as well as arthroscopic anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Dr. Paulos is also the Developer of the DJO Knee Brace, an Author, Researcher, and Holder of 30 patents.
• Dr. David Levine, DPT - Dr. Levine has been working and conducting research in animal physical rehabilitation since 1993 and is co-director of the University of Tennessee's certificate program in canine rehabilitation. Co-editor of multiple books, including Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats, and Gait Analysis: An Introduction. Dr. Levine has presented at over 100 conferences, and has lectured in more than a dozen countries. 
• Dr. Kevin Wilk PT, DPT, FAPTA - Dr. Wilk is the Associate Clinical Director of Champion Sports Medicine in Birmingham, AL, where he works with numerous professional and recreational athletes. Dr. Wilk is a leading authority in rehabilitation of sports injuries and orthopaedic lesions and has lead a distinguished career as a clinician physical therpapist and researcher for the past 33 years.