Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Offers Relief for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training allows people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to build muscle, improve mobility, and reduce pain using very light resistance, avoiding the joint stress of heavy lifting

Eccentric exercises — the slow "lowering" phase of movements — help increase muscle mass, lower blood pressure, reduce body fat, and restore daily function without triggering flare-ups

In studies, RA patients who followed structured BFR or eccentric training programs reported higher strength, better endurance, and greater ease in performing everyday activities

The Arthritis Foundation emphasizes gentle, consistent movement such as stretching, swimming, walking, and balance training as key to protecting joints and slowing disease progression

Combining light-load eccentric exercise with BFR offers a safe, effective way to rebuild strength, stability, and independence while keeping inflammation and discomfort in check