UTK Special 12/05/24

Breaking the Velocity Barrier: Dr. Tyler White and Blood Flow Restriction

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in baseball over the past two decades, it’s that technology isn’t just changing the game—it’s redefining it. From the introduction of TrackMan to the high-speed cameras dissecting every pitch, the sport is evolving faster than ever. Now, there’s a new tool on the horizon that could take pitching performance to places we’ve never seen.

Let me tease you with a number first: 110.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy is making its way from the rehab room to the bullpen, and Dr. Tyler White is leading the charge. I’ve known Dr. White for years, both in his work as a rehab and performance guru for pitchers, and as the organizer of the World Pitching Congress. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. White explained why BFR isn’t just another training fad—it might be the key to unlocking human potential on the mound.

What is Blood Flow Restriction?

Let’s start with the basics. Blood Flow Restriction is exactly what it sounds like—restricting blood flow to a limb. Sounds simple enough, right? Not so fast. I remember first hearing about this technique back in 2015. Stephania Bell of ESPN spoke on the topic at PBATS in terms of rehabilitation. If I remember correctly, it was being used for rehab in the military at the time. I was intrigued and have followed the progression over almost a decade.

“It’s funny because the name is so self-explanatory,” Dr. White said with a laugh. “But the process isn’t something you just try at home. This isn’t wrapping a belt around your arm and hoping for the best. The Delfi system we use is highly technical. It calibrates to the individual’s [limb pressures] in real time and maintains precise occlusion levels, even during movement.” Occlusion is just that simple, slowing or even stopping the flow of blood. If you’re thinking a high tech tourniquet, you’re exactly right.

The science behind it is fascinating. By restricting arterial flow into the arm (or leg) and limiting venous outflow, the body essentially goes into an oxygen-deprivation state. “Your brain thinks the limb is starving for oxygen,” Dr. White explained. “That triggers a cascade of responses — recruiting more muscle fibers, releasing growth hormones, and building up fatigue resistance. It’s like you’re hacking the system.”

Dr. White’s introduction to BFR came in the most modern way possible: a social media conversation. “You [meaning the author] asked if anyone had looked into BFR for throwing,” he recalled. “And I just happened to be heading to a BFR course that weekend.” From there, things snowballed. “I bombarded the instructor with questions. Most of them didn’t have answers, so I decided to test it myself.” I love it when my crazy thoughts turn into science.

What started as an experiment quickly became an obsession. Dr. White designed a throwing program for himself, using the same principles established for rehab patients. “I threw at 50–70 percent effort twice a week for four weeks. By week three, my arm felt electric — fast, strong, like I could throw forever. By week four, I was throwing harder than I had in a decade, despite having an unrepaired labrum and rotator cuff injury.”

The results were so compelling that Dr. White extended the experiment to his clients, including an SEC pitcher who saw immediate velocity gains. “He texted me after his second session: ‘What is this? I’m blowing up my catch partner and not even trying.’ That’s when I knew this was more than a personal experiment—it was a legitimate game-changer.”

The Science of Gains

The magic of BFR lies in its efficiency. In traditional training, pushing your body to its limits comes with risks—especially for pitchers. High workloads increase stress on the UCL and other structures, often leading to injuries like Tommy John surgery. BFR offers a way to mimic high-intensity training without the same level of stress.

“Think about it like this,” Dr. White said. “With BFR, you can achieve the same gains as a 100% effort bullpen by throwing at 50% effort. You’re still pushing your body to adapt, but the load isn’t transferring to the ligaments and joints in the same way.”

The data backs this up. Studies on BFR show increased muscle hypertrophy, improved fast-twitch muscle fiber recruitment, and higher levels of growth hormone—all while working at a fraction of normal intensity. “You’re essentially training smarter, not harder,” Dr. White said. “And for pitchers, that could be the difference between a healthy season and a trip to the operating table.”

Rehab, Performance, and Everything in Between

While much of the early research on BFR focused on rehab—helping athletes recover strength after major injuries—Dr. White sees its potential across the board.

“This isn’t just a rehab tool,” he emphasized. “It’s about performance, recovery, and even longevity. For aging athletes, BFR could help maintain muscle mass and fast-twitch fiber activation well past their prime. For young pitchers, it’s a way to build velocity without overloading the arm. And for everyone in between, it’s a tool to manage workload and stay on the field longer.”

Dr. White has tested BFR on players at every level, from high schoolers to MLB All-Stars. “Whether it’s a catcher improving their pop time, an outfielder working on deep throws, or a pitcher rehabbing from injury, the results are consistent: more strength, more speed, and better durability.”

Chasing 110

Here’s where things get really interesting. For years, the holy grail of pitching was 100 mph. Now, it’s 105. But what if 110 is possible?

“We’re not as far off as people think,” Dr. White said. “With the right athlete and the right program, I believe we could see someone hit 110 in the next few years.”

The key, he explained, is a comprehensive approach. “It’s not just about the arm. You need the whole kinetic chain — legs, core, trunk — to work in harmony. BFR allows us to train each part of that chain more effectively. We can recruit more muscle fibers, improve motor unit activation, and build the strength needed to handle those velocities.”

While 110 mph might still seem like science fiction, Dr. White is confident. “A few years ago, 105 seemed impossible. Now it’s not uncommon. With BFR, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The Roadblocks

Of course, no breakthrough comes without challenges. For BFR, the biggest hurdle is accessibility. The equipment isn’t cheap — around $5,000–$6,000 for a full setup —and requires specialized training to use safely.

“We’re working on ways to make it more accessible,” Dr. White said. His team is developing courses to teach players and coaches how to use BFR effectively. “It’s not as simple as strapping it on and going to work. There’s a learning curve, but once you understand the process, it’s a game-changer.”

Also - and this should go without saying - that a unit that says “Personal Tourniquet System” on it should not be used by just anyone. Trained professionals are required, though Dr. White is thinking about how to train both medical and rehab professionals as well as coaches and sports scientists. For now, don’t try this at home, kids.

The Future is Now

With that warning out of the way, when will we see BFR on the market? And when might we see a pitcher hit 110?

Dr. White is optimistic about the timeline. “I think we’ll see it widely available by late 2025. As for 110, I’d say 2027, maybe 2028, depending on how quickly the technology and training spread.” Personally, I think 2028 due to some outside factors such as the current CBA, but I have some ideas about how it might happen faster that I’ll save for another article.

What’s clear is that BFR isn’t just another training fad. It’s a legitimate tool with the potential to revolutionize baseball. “This isn’t just about throwing harder,” Dr. White said. “It’s about throwing smarter. It’s about keeping players healthy, extending careers, and unlocking the full potential of the human body.”

In a sport that’s always looking for the next edge, BFR might just be the biggest leap forward yet. With Dr. White leading the way, the future of baseball is closer than we think.