Owens Recovery Science

Johnny Owens

The Owens Recovery Science Podcast is your source for what's new and established in the blood flow restriction literature. Blood flow restriction training or BFR is an exercise technique used by many rehab and performance practitioners to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance through the use of lighter weights and lower intensities than originally thought necessary. Johnny Owens, PT and his team have trained more than 15,000 clinicians on how to integrate BFR into rehab and performance settings. In their podcast they keep you to date on the latest developments in the literature and innovation within the field.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Episode 80 - Why is Kyle so negative about eccentrics?

    Summary In this episode, Kyle, Johnny, Zach, and Ben dive into the nuances of eccentric exercise, BFR, and muscle physiology. They explore myths, mechanisms, and practical applications for training and rehab. Keywords eccentric exercise, BFR, muscle damage, hypertrophy, physiology, training, rehab, muscle fibers, ECM, repeated bout effect Key  topics Eccentric exercise and its effects on muscle damage and hypertrophy The role of blood flow restriction in training and rehab Myths and misconceptions about eccentric exercise Muscle fiber recruitment and the skeleton crew theory Repeated bout effect and muscle resilience Chapters 00:00 Reunion and Introduction of Topics 02:35 Exploring Eccentric Exercises and BFR 07:03 Understanding Eccentric vs. Concentric Exercises 14:41 The Science Behind Muscle Damage and Eccentrics 20:18 Understanding Eccentric Muscle Damage 22:44 The Repeated Bout Effect in Exercise 27:35 Mechanisms Behind Muscle Resilience 32:33 Eccentric Exercise and Load Context 36:32 BFR and Eccentric Training Synergy 42:21 Crossover Effects in Eccentric Training Resources Eccentric Exercise and Muscle Damage - Proske, U., & Morgan, D. L. (2001). Muscle damage from eccentric exercise: mechanism, mechanical signs, adaptation and clinical applications. J Physiol, 537(Pt 2), 333-345. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.00333.x Nuzzo, J. L., Pinto, M. D., Nosaka, K., & Steele, J. (2023). The eccentric:Concentric strength ratio of human skeletal muscle in vivo: Meta-analysis of the influences of sex, age, joint action, and velocity. Sports Med, 53(6), 1125-1136. doi:10.1007/s40279-023-01851-y Lovering, R. M., & De Deyne, P. G. (2004). Contractile function, sarcolemma integrity, and the loss of dystrophin after skeletal muscle eccentric contraction-induced injury. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 286(2), C230-8. doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00199.2003 Behringer et al. (2017) — high-load eccentric BFR to failure; the volume-confound cautionary tale. Jones et al. (2022) — eccentric hamstring BFR vs. high-load eccentric; 6-week crossover. Sudo et al. (2015) — eccentric BFR via electrical stimulation, rat model; S6K1 signaling https://owensrecoveryscience.com/

    48 min
  2. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Episode 79 - The Myth of Fatty Infiltration with Dr. Brian Feeley of UCSF

    Summary Dr. Brian Feeley discusses his groundbreaking research on mitochondrial transfer in muscle regeneration, fatty infiltration, and the potential of blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy to enhance recovery and reduce pain. Explore the science behind FAPs, ischemia-reperfusion, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Keywords muscle regeneration, mitochondrial transfer, fatty infiltration, FAPs, BFR, ischemia-reperfusion, muscle injury, orthopedics, regenerative medicine Key Topics Mitochondrial transfer in muscle cells Role of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in fatty infiltration Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and ischemia-reperfusion injury Mechanisms of muscle regeneration and fibrosis Potential clinical applications of mitochondrial transfer Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Brian Feeley 03:45 The Mito Lab and Research Interests 06:53 Understanding Fatty Infiltration in Muscles 10:00 Mitochondrial Transfer and Its Implications 12:48 Ischemia-Reperfusion and BFR Studies 16:05 Mouse Study on Mitochondrial Transfer 18:53 Functional Outcomes and Muscle Recovery 24:55 Understanding Muscle Recovery and Pain Reduction 28:16 The Role of Muscle Fiber Types in Recovery 29:11 Fatty Infiltration and Muscle Regeneration 31:48 The Hormetic Response and BFR Mechanisms 34:29 Passive vs. Active BFR in Rehabilitation 37:05 Challenges in Clinical Trials for BFR 39:54 Practical Applications of BFR in Sports Medicine Resources MITO Lab - Muscle Injury and Translational Orthopedics Lab - https://feeleylab.ucsf.edu/ The paper we discuss - Milan N, Wague A, Sang L, et al. Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Stimulates Intercellular Mitochondria Transfer and Improves Muscle Regeneration and Shoulder Function in a Murine Rotator Cuff Injury Model. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026;54(5):1114-1125. doi:10.1177/03635465261424875   Guest links UCSF Profile - https://profiles.ucsf.edu/brian.feeley 6-8 Weeks Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1MtNPZR7Zjkx2wjErWITuk?si=58d36ad4209c477c LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feeley-81122a233/ https://owensrecoveryscience.com/

    44 min
  3. Jun 1 ·  Video

    Episode 78 - Mind the Gap: Build a BFR Bridge with Mark Murphy, PT

    Summary In this episode, Mark Murphy from C-SPAR discusses the application of blood flow restriction (BFR) in rehab and performance, sharing insights from his research and clinical practice. We explore protocols for cartilage repair, return-to-play strategies, and innovative research projects at Mass General. Keywords Blood Flow Restriction, Rehab, Performance, Cartilage, Return to Play, Sports Science, Research, C-SPAR, Mass General, BFR Protocols Key  Topics Blood Flow Restriction protocols in rehab and performance Application of BFR in cartilage repair and post-surgical recovery Research projects at C-SPAR including long-term follow-ups and MRI studies Strategies for early intervention and load management in athletes The role of BFR in enhancing muscle hypertrophy and preventing disuse atrophy  Guest: Mark Murphy, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, CPSS  Sound bites "Time is our most valuable resource in sports medicine" "10 plus sets per week is essential for muscle growth" "BFR should be standard practice in cartilage rehab" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 02:54 Moving and Life Changes 05:54 Introducing Mark Murphy and C-SPAR 10:00 Mark's Background and Journey 19:37 BFR in Rehabilitation and Performance 28:09 Practical Applications of BFR 28:32 Innovative Resistance Training Techniques 29:43 Daily Rehabilitation Practices 30:26 BFR Protocols in Cartilage Rehabilitation 35:37 Progressing Rehabilitation with BFR 39:02 Weight-Bearing Activities and Joint Tolerance 41:53 Transitioning from BFR to Heavier Loads 43:39 C-Spar: A Multidisciplinary Approach 45:23 Researching BFR in Patellar Instability 50:18 Future Studies and Collaborations Resources C-SPAR - Center for Sports Performance and Research Delfi Blood Flow Restriction Device Isokinetic Greece Conference Murphy M. Blood flow restriction training: A tool to enhance rehabilitation and build athlete resiliency. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2024;0(101022):101022. doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2024.101022  https://owensrecoveryscience.com/

    53 min
  4. Episode 74 - BFR and the NBA with Jordan Sabourin, PhD

    08/08/2025

    Episode 74 - BFR and the NBA with Jordan Sabourin, PhD

    Summary In this episode, Johnny Owens interviews Jordan Sabarin, a strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Pistons and expert in blood flow restriction (BFR) training. They discuss Jordan's journey from being a professional basketball player to pursuing a PhD in BFR, the differences in strength and conditioning philosophies between the NBA and Europe, and the practical applications of BFR in athletic training. The conversation delves into Jordan's dissertation study, which assesses the effects of BFR on performance and recovery in elite basketball players, as well as the qualitative feedback from players regarding their experiences with BFR. They also explore future directions for BFR research and its integration into NBA training regimens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction in Athletics 03:13 Jordan Sabarin's Background and Journey 05:09 Differences in Strength and Conditioning Philosophies 06:52 The Rise of Blood Flow Restriction Training 08:50 Pursuing a PhD in Blood Flow Restriction 10:40 Research Questions and Study Design 12:44 Understanding the NBA Training Schedule 15:31 Study Hypothesis and Objectives 18:50 Methodology: Exercises and Protocols 21:18 Using the Omni-Res Scale for Measurement 22:55 Objective Measures and Data Collection 26:13 Qualitative Insights from Players 30:47 Quantitative Findings and Discussion 41:16 Exploring Resistance Training and Recovery 42:23 Qualitative Observations in Training 43:03 Comparing BFR and Traditional Training 45:00 Athlete Preferences and Training Discomfort 46:35 Future Research Directions in BFR 49:56 Application of BFR in the NBA 52:22 Pre-Competition Priming with BFR 54:28 BFR for Tendon Health and Pain Management 56:05 BFR in Rehabilitation and Performance 59:55 Integrating BFR into Traditional Lifts 01:02:06 Traveling with BFR Devices 01:06:39 Future Directions and Research in BFR Podcast Intro Attribution Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 Podcast Outro Attribution Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4https://owensrecoveryscience.com/

    1h 14m
  5. Episode 73 - Intergalactic BFR with Luke Hughes, PhD

    07/22/2025

    Episode 73 - Intergalactic BFR with Luke Hughes, PhD

    Episode 73 - Intergalactic BFR with Luke Hughes, PhD Summary In this episode, Johnny Owens and Dr. Luke Hughes discuss the applications of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in space and its potential to mitigate deconditioning in astronauts. They explore the physiological changes that occur in microgravity, the importance of exercise countermeasures, and the innovative research being conducted to understand the mechanisms behind BFR's effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the implications of BFR for bone health, clinical applications, and future research directions. Takeaways BFR is a promising tool for mitigating muscle and bone deconditioning in space. Fluid shifts in microgravity can lead to significant health issues for astronauts. BFR can enhance the effectiveness of low-intensity aerobic exercise. Research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms behind BFR's benefits for bone health. BFR protocols need to be personalized for different patient populations. The use of BFR in clinical settings shows potential for improving recovery outcomes. BFR can help prevent amputations in patients with severe vascular issues. Understanding the impact of pressure on blood flow is crucial for optimizing BFR protocols. BFR can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for various conditions. Future research will focus on the long-term effects of BFR in both space and clinical settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 05:38 Bed Rest Studies and Their Importance in Space Research 12:45 Physiological Effects of Microgravity on Astronauts 18:41 Current Exercise Countermeasures in Space Missions 24:04 Future Directions and Innovations in Space Exercise 24:33 Innovations in Exercise Devices for Space Missions 26:41 The Role of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Space Exercise 29:20 First Experiments with BFR in Microgravity 30:37 Collaboration with SpaceX for In-Orbit Research 31:59 Developing Space-Compatible Exercise Devices 33:53 BFR Exercise in Space: A Historic Milestone 35:06 Exercise Protocols and Adjustments for Space Conditions 37:45 Initial Findings from BFR Experiments in Space 40:47 Exploring Fluid Shifts and BFR's Impact 43:33 Combining Aerobic Exercise with BFR for Enhanced Benefits 48:51 Future Directions in BFR Research and Applications 53:07 Exploring Bone Adaptation Mechanisms 55:37 Methodological Framework for Bone Research 59:30 Innovations in Bone Blood Flow Measurement 01:02:31 BFR Applications in Rehabilitation and Pain Management 01:05:17 Future Directions in BFR Research and Space Applications Podcast Intro Attribution Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 Podcast Outro Attribution Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4https://owensrecoveryscience.com/

    1h 16m
4.9
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

The Owens Recovery Science Podcast is your source for what's new and established in the blood flow restriction literature. Blood flow restriction training or BFR is an exercise technique used by many rehab and performance practitioners to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance through the use of lighter weights and lower intensities than originally thought necessary. Johnny Owens, PT and his team have trained more than 15,000 clinicians on how to integrate BFR into rehab and performance settings. In their podcast they keep you to date on the latest developments in the literature and innovation within the field.

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