Daily Mobility Exercises by Dr. Kelly Starrett › Forums › Shoulder › Bruising on Triceps with BFR

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    • 02/23/2020 at 10:48 am #90940
      Jeffrey LindbomJeffrey Lindbom
      Participant

      My wife and I have been working through the Healthy Shoulder plan. On week four after having no problems with it, my wife noticed that after completing BFR she had a large bruise (2in by 2in) on her tricep. It has lasted about a week. She doesn’t think she had it before BFR. We have really liked the plan and noticed improvement in shoulder function and strength, however, she is a bit apprehensive about continuing to do it if BFR caused the bruise (especially without knowing the exact cause and what was going on or if there could be something else going on).

      I am not sure if this could be part of it, but she did get a flu shot on her arm the same day before doing BFR. But she also had a tetanus on her other arm and didn’t have the same problem. Also, to maybe further complicate it, we also just found out she is low on iron.

      Thanks for the help. -Jeff

    • 02/24/2020 at 8:47 pm #90962
      Michael AlzheimerMichael Alzheimer
      Participant

      Hey Jeff,

      Bruising can be a potential side effect of BFR training, especially if the bands are wrapped too tight. Band tension should certainly be no more than a 7/10. The combo of low iron and the shot also could be playing a factor for sure. It could also be the result of a medication or supplement side effect as well. Anitplatelet meds, NSAIDS, steroids, and anticoagulants can all have side effects of bruising. If there continues to be bruising or you notice an increase in the frequency of bruising it’s worth getting checked out by an MD.

      But generally BFR is a very safe intervention and the only major contraindications include:

      -Circulatory issues or clot risk (DVT)
      -Heart disease/insufficiency
      -Severe, uncontrolled hypertension
      -Diabetes
      -Sick Cell Anemia
      -Varicose Veins
      -Pregnancy
      -Open wound or incision
      -Infection
      -Cancer
      -Lymphedema

      If she isn’t likely to have any of these she should be good to go. Wait for the bruising to settle, get those iron levels up and be sure to keep the wrapping a bit less restrictive.

      Cheers,
      Mike
      TRS Staff

    • 02/29/2020 at 7:53 am #91085
      Jeffrey LindbomJeffrey Lindbom
      Participant

      Thanks for the great info. I really appreciate the detailed response!

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