Voodoo Flossing – an Introduction

Blood:  Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body on a repetitive and ongoing basis. The most important part of healing is the flow of blood. 

Muscle Tightness: When we get tight in our muscles and tissue we experience vasoconstriction and occlusion of bloodflow. 

When we experience injuries there is the presence of scar tissue and damaged fascia. Healing needs to take place.

Healing: In order to heal we need to restore blood flow to the areas of tightness. 

BFR = Katsu = Flossing: These terms are interchangeable. They all mean Blood Flow Restriction. Flossing means combining blood flow restriction while completing low level activity in order to activate the body. The effect of flossing is both physical and psychological. 

The restriction of blood flow stimulates the metabolic inhibition without impacting the mechanical side. There is no stress on the mechanical side, only on the metabolic side. 

The process of Voodoo Flossing:

1. Roll up the Flossband. Keep it tight.
2. When applying the flossband stretch it to 50% of its potential. 
3. Overlap the flossband 50% when wrapping it.
4. Apply it to an muscle group or joint. 
5. You can apply it over clothing as it just adds to the compression effect.
6. Once the band is wrapped, then practise human movement at a low-level. 
7. Examples of human movement: Squats, Lunges, Wall stretches
8. Keep the tension in place for between 1 and 3 minutes. 
9. Release the tension. Feel the blood flow to the area release the tightness in the area. Relief from tension will be instant.

Note: Coach X prefers not to floss the kneecap mainly due to the fact that it reduces movement. 

The goal is to experience that freedom of movement now that a joint or muscle group is activated. Note that it is not for injury recovery but rather body maintenance which impacts optimal performance.