International Week: Greece Represented by Dr Vasileios Korakakis

International Week: Greece Represented by Dr. Vasileios Korakakis

During this year’s International Week, Dr Vasileios Korakakis led an advanced training session for our 3rd-year students and an introductory workshop for our 2nd-year students, focusing on an innovative technique: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training in clinical settings.

Semaine internationale : la Grèce représentée par le Dr Vasileios Kokarakis

But what exactly is BFR, and why is it generating so much buzz ?

Imagine being able to strengthen your muscles using light weights while achieving results comparable to intense training. That’s precisely what BFR allows. By using inflatable cuffs placed on the upper arm or leg, blood flow is partially restricted during exercise. The outcome? Even with low weights, the muscles are pushed to work hard, promoting hypertrophy and strength gains.

Why is this particularly interesting for our future physiotherapists ?

BFR doesn’t just strengthen muscles in healthy individuals. It’s especially effective for those with musculoskeletal weaknesses. For instance, it can help reduce knee pain or alleviate upper limb conditions like tennis elbow. Thus, this method becomes a valuable ally in rehabilitation by reducing pain and enabling patients to perform exercises they might otherwise avoid.

Dr. Vasileios Korakakis’ workshop was divided into two parts :

Theory : Students explored the scientific evidence behind BFR, the parameters for optimal use, and the precautions to take. This was an opportunity to understand how to integrate this technique into their future clinical practice.
Practice : There’s nothing like putting theory into action! Students practiced using the BFR cuffs while discussing real-life clinical scenarios. The goal was to prepare them to identify when and how to apply this method safely and effectively.

What did our students take away from the training ?

Complementing the courses taught by our instructor Clément de Renty, they now understand the mechanisms of BFR, can discuss its indications and contraindications, and are ready to integrate this technique into a progressive rehabilitation plan. All with the aim of helping their future patients regain full mobility faster, whether for a return to daily activities or competitive sports.

In short, this workshop offered a new skill for some and an introduction to others, enriching their expertise and preparing them to become even more competent physiotherapists.

Dr Vasileios Korakakis is a renowned physiotherapist specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine, with over 25 years of clinical experience. He holds a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Thessaly in Greece, combining rigorous scientific expertise with a dynamic pedagogical approach. His sessions during International Week were particularly appreciated by our students for his ability to make lessons engaging, seamlessly blending theory and practice in an innovative way.

As a researcher, Dr. Vasileios Korakakis has published over 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals, with more than 2,000 citations. His work focuses on key areas such as Blood Flow Restriction training, rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction, and the management of tendinopathies. His commitment to academic excellence is also reflected in his role as a reviewer for prestigious journals like the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

With over 10 years of experience in postgraduate teaching, he is also an adjunct professor at Hamad bin Khalifa University (Qatar) and the University of Nicosia (Cyprus), where he continues to influence the next generation of physiotherapists.