Healing Stronger After ACL Surgery: How Blood Floor Restriction Therapy Helped Maura Return to Life

When Concord resident and active mom of two, Maura Torre, hit the slopes with her family in Utah last winter, she never imagined the trip would end with a torn ACL and months of recovery ahead. The injury was a major setback for someone who thrives on staying active, from skiing and hiking to Orange Theory classes, teaching a class of preschoolers, and chasing after her own two boys.

After undergoing ACL repair surgery at Emerson with orthopedic surgeon Peter Kok, MD, Maura knew physical therapy would be key to regaining her strength. While the surgery went perfectly, the early weeks of recovery were tough. “My knee was stiff, and my quad and leg muscles were weak,” she explains. “It was frustrating to be limited after being so active.”

That is when her Emerson sports medicine physical therapist, Steve Bosjlie, introduced her to blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy, an advanced rehabilitation technique now offered at Emerson Health. With BFR, a specialized cuff is placed around the injured limb to safely limit blood flow while the patient performs low-load (light resistance) exercises. The body responds as if it were lifting much heavier weight, leading to faster strength gains without putting stress on healing joints.

For Maura, the difference was immediate.

“I was just doing light exercises, but it felt like I was getting a real workout,” she says. “My quad strength started coming back much faster than I expected. Best of all, it never caused pain or added pressure on my knee.”

By summer, Maura had progressed beyond basic therapy, returned to modified Orange Theory classes, and was able to keep up with her busy family. This fall, she returned to teaching preschool – able to kneel, bend, and move quickly with her young students.

“Every patient can hit a plateau with traditional physical therapy,” Steve notes. “BFR gives patients that extra boost, helping them see progress quickly and safely. It can be a game-changer for athletes and weekend warriors.”

Today, Maura is back to her active lifestyle and already looking forward to the upcoming ski season. Thanks to BFR therapy and the support of her Emerson Health care team, she is ready to hit the slopes this winter with strength and confidence.

What Is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy?

BFR is an advanced rehabilitation technique that helps patients rebuild muscle strength more efficiently while recovering from orthopedic injury or surgery.

Who benefits: Patients recovering from ACL surgery, joint replacements, or other injuries, and athletes looking to safely speed up their return to sport after injury.

How it works: A specialized cuff, similar to a blood pressure cuff, is placed around the top of the arm or leg to gently restrict blood flow while performing light resistance (low-load) exercises.

Why it helps: The body reacts as though it is lifting heavy weights, stimulating faster muscle growth and strength without putting stress on healing joints.