Re-Conditioning with KAATSU after Surgery

Re-Conditioning with KAATSU after Surgery

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? rehabilitation, mobility, flexibility, recovery

In order to quickly and effectively re-condition with KAATSU after surgery on the lower limbs, KAATSU recommendations are as follows.

Equipment
Use either the KAATSU Master or KAATSU Nano together with the KAATSU Air Bands (both arm and leg bands)

Regimen:
Includes KAATSU Cycle (preferably on both the arms and legs) + KAATSU 3-point Exercises (first on arms and then on legs) or KAATSU Performance Training (on either arms and/or legs)

Frequency:
2-3 times per week minimum, but sometimes more frequent (5-6 times per week) if desired/possible

KAATSU Cycle Regimen (Standard):
Step 1: Find the your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: Do 1-2 sets of the standard KAATSU Cycle (i.e., 8 cycle of 20 seconds on + 5 seconds off)
Step 3: Proceed to either Advanced KAATSU Cycle** or KAATSU 3-point Exercises on arms

KAATSU Cycle Regimen (Advanced)**:
Option 1
Step 1: Find the your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: Purposefully increase SKU to a higher pressure level than Optimal (e.g., 260 SKU)
Step 3: Do 1-2 sets of the Advanced KAATSU Cycle at this higher level as possible (i.e., 8 cycle of 20 seconds on + 5 seconds off). Contract your muscles in the positive and negative directions (i.e., going both up and down).

Option 2
Step 1: Find the your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: Purposefully increase SKU to a higher pressure level than Optimal (e.g., 260 SKU)
Step 3: Do 1-2 sets of the Advanced KAATSU Cycle for longer at this higher level as possible (i.e., 8 cycle of 40 seconds on + 10 seconds off).
Contract your muscles in the positive and negative directions (i.e., going both up and down).

Option 3
Step 1: Find the your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: Purposefully increase SKU to a higher pressure level than Optimal (e.g., 260 SKU)
Step 3: Do 1-2 sets of the Advanced KAATSU Cycle for longer at this higher level as possible (i.e., 8 cycle of 60 seconds on + 20 seconds off). Contract your muscles in the positive and negative directions (i.e., going both up and down).

** As you become stronger and more accustomed to KAATSU, your ability to handle higher pressures for longer periods becomes readily apparent, but you and the KAATSU Specialist should always start off conservatively. Your body will acclimate well, but at the beginning, you should always error on the side of lower pressures.

KAATSU 3-point Exercise for the Arms:
Step 1: Find your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: 3 sets of the hand grips (note: the number of repetitions should decrease with each subsequent set)
Step 3: 3 sets of bicep curls. Contract your biceps in the positive and negative directions (i.e., going both up and down).
Step 4: 3 sets of triceps extensions. Contract your triceps in the positive and negative directions (i.e., going both up and down).
Step 5: Proceed to KAATSU 3-point Exercise on legs

KAATSU 3-point Exercises for the Legs:
Step 1: Find your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: 3 sets of the toe curls (note: the number of repetitions should decrease with each subsequent set)
Step 3: 3 sets of heel raises
Step 4: 3 sets of either squats (quarter or full) or leg curls

KAATSU Performance Training for either Arms or Legs:
Step 1: Find your Optimal SKU (e.g., 200 SKU)
Step 2: Do the preferred activity of the patient (e.g., walking, resistance training, stretching, mobility exercises, rehabilitation)

Notes:
*The number of repetitions should decrease with each subsequent set.
*Alternatively, if you are walking on a treadmill, the total time should be limited to 20 minutes.
*If you are using your upper body, the total number should be limited to 15 minutes.
*You can elect to do both arms and legs (but not simultaneously) during the same session if you wish.

Photo is courtesy of KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato helping to rehabilitate an older patient recover from her recent surgery.