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Aches
Aches and pains are a fact of life. Treating pain with drugs (opioids, NSAIDs, and even acetaminophen) may cause adverse health reactions. Drug-free pain relief includes icing routines enhanced with specific frequencies of “mechanical stimulation”: vibration. Pain Care Labs’ patented combination of ice and vibration is a comfortable way to help with the aches and pains all over the body. VibraCool® or Buzzy® helps when you put it directly where you hurt.
For aches and pains, simply place Buzzy® directly on the site for 10 – 20 minutes, twice a day, or according to your doctor’s recommended icing regimen. The anti-inflammatory effects of ice and high frequency vibration work together to relieve pain and keep muscles moving. For extremities, attach Pain Care Labs devices with the strap. For chronic pain or spasms, use heat packs instead of the ice.
Ice and high frequency vibration work together to relieve pain and keep muscles moving.
VibraCool®
From the makers of Buzzy®, VibraCool® uses the same patented mechanical stimulation technology, with an easy-to-use compression strap for ice or heat formulated for aches and pains.
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VibraCool®
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Dialysis
Clinical Use
More and more dialysis patients are choosing home dialysis over in-center treatment. Whether at home or in-center, Buzzy® helps patients and dialysis techs for pain relief during access for dialysis.
Place Buzzy® and ice wings proximal to the access area. The rounded end of Buzzy® should be 3-5 cm proximal to the site. Turn Buzzy® on and leave in place and vibrating throughout access. For deeper desensitization to tissues below the skin, and when vasoconstriction is not an issue, we recommend Buzzy® be left in place 30 – 60 seconds prior to access; ice adds about 60% of the pain relief.
Additional Resources for Dialysis
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Buzzy@ Mini Healthcare
Buzzy@ XL Healthcare
Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It’s also your brain’s main source of fuel. Treatment for diabetes often involves many needle procedures, including insulin injections and pumps and frequent finger sticks to check blood sugar levels. Buzzy® is proven to reduce the pain and anxiety with these needle procedures and may help with daily procedure fatigue.
For Arm Injections or Pump Insertions
For injections, Buzzy® needs to be placed “between the brain and the pain”.
In the arms, the nerves run straight down. For pump insertion on an arm, as in this picture, Buzzy® is left directly on the site 60 seconds. Move Buzzy® up toward the armpit and leave in place while accessing.
For Stomach Injections
For stomach injections, the nerves run sideways coming around from the back towards the belly button. Again, leave the Buzzy® 30 – 60 seconds (the skin is thinner here, so the cold may get TOO cold), then slide 2cm lateral out to the side and do the injection where the Buzzy® used to be.
For Finger Sticks
For fingersticks, either place Buzzy® at the base of the finger for pricks on the pad, or as close as possible on the side (where there are fewer nerves).
Additional Resources for Diabetes
Products
Buzzy@ Mini Healthcare
Buzzy® XL Healthcare
Videos
Buzzy® for finger sticks
Buzzy® for stomach shots
Buzzy for Medtronic 670G
Guardian Sensor
Links
Chandler’s Diabetes Story
DLife
Educational Diabetes Games
Teen Diabetes
Electrolysis
Electrolyis is a common cosmetic treatment. Modern electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers. Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis and the process can be uncomfortable and painful. Numbing creams take 20 to 60 minutes to work or can be messy, or rarely cause toxicity when on too much surface area.
For Electrolysis
On the face, press Buzzy® to the bone nearest the injection for best pain relief. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle or device with the switch end pointing away. Cold and ice work best in areas where there is one nerve pathway, or dermatome. In areas like the bikini, there are too many overlapping nerves, so focusing on vibration sensations while holding Buzzy® on the chest as pure distraction may work best for the most delicate areas to be treated.
On the face, press Buzzy® to the bone nearest the injection for best pain relief. The dermatome for the forehead comes downward straight from the scalp line, so place buzzy between the hairline and the injection. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle or device with the switch end pointing away. Buzzy® Mini has an indentation on the bottom end, showing to “put the shot near the dot.” Cold and ice work best in areas where there is one nerve pathway, or dermatome. In areas like the bikini, there are too many overlapping nerves, so focusing on vibration sensations while holding Buzzy® on the chest as pure distraction may work best for the most delicate areas to be treated.
Additional Resources for Electrolysis
Videos
Eyebrow electrolysis
Facial Injections
Facial injections may be used for a variety of medical and cosmetic treatments. Botox® is an injectable that can be used for both purposes. It is commonly used for migraines, spasmed muscles for cerebral palsy, and wrinkle-reducing aesthetic procedures. Injected into the muscles in the affected areas, this treatment can range from mildly uncomfortable to very painful. Treatment sessions require multiple injections. There are many other common cosmetic facial injections, such as Restylane® Juvederm®, Perlane®, and other Hyaluronic fillers. Buzzy®’s patented combination of vibrator and ice pack are FDA-cleared for cosmetic injections, as Buzzy® has been clinically proven effective at reducing pain for needle procedures and injections.
For Botox® Injections
For hyperhydrosis injection pain from Botox, place Buzzy® on the site to pre-numb for 15-30 seconds. During the procedure, place Buzzy® between the brain and the pain. On the palm, pre-numb, then slide Buzzy® toward the wrist for the injection.
On the face, press Buzzy® to the bone nearest the injection for best pain relief. The dermatome for the forehead comes downward straight from the scalp line, so place buzzy between the hairline and the injection. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle or device with the switch end pointing away. Buzzy® Mini has an indentation on the bottom end, showing to “put the shot near the dot.”
For Botox® in spasmed muscles for Cerebral Palsy, pre-numb 30- 60 seconds then slide proximally in the same dermatome.
For Cosmetic Injections
For injections of Restylane®, Botox®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, and other Hyaluronic fillers, place Buzzy® on the site to pre-numb for 15-30 seconds. During the procedure, place Buzzy® between the brain and the pain. On the face, press Buzzy® to the bone nearest the injection for best pain relief. The dermatome for the forehead comes downward straight from the scalp line, so place buzzy between the hairline and the injection. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle or device with the switch end pointing away. Buzzy® Mini has an indentation on the bottom end, showing to “put the shot near the dot.
Fertility Shots / IVF
If you are struggling with infertility issues, your doctor may prescribe medicine, infertility drugs, to help you get pregnant. Even if you use in vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility drugs are just part of the treatment. These fertility drugs help trigger ovulation. Some infertilty drugs are injected hormones which that require shots. Common infertility drugs include Bravell®, Follistom®, Repronex®, Lutrepulse®, Lupron®, and Antagon®. Some shots are given beneath the skin, others are injected into the muscle. Common locations for getting shots include your upper arm, stomach, upper thigh, or buttocks. Going through fertility treatment, itself, can cause anxiety. Fear of needles and injection pain do not need add to this feeling. Buzzy® can help improve your infertility patient experience by reducing needle pain from frequent infertility shots/injections, finger sticks or blood draws required for treatment.
For Arm Injections
For injections, Buzzy® needs to be “between the brain and the pain”.
In the arms, the nerves run straight down. Leave Buzzy® directly on the injection site 60 seconds. Immediately before cleaning the site, move Buzzy® up toward the armpit and leave in place while cleaning and getting the shot.
For Stomach Injections
For stomach injections, the nerves run sideways coming around from the back towards the belly button. Again, leave the Buzzy® 30 – 60 seconds (the skin is thinner here, so the cold may get TOO cold), then slide 2cm lateral out to the side and do the injection where the Buzzy® used to be.
Additional Resources for Fertility Shots / IVF
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Videos
Buzzy® for stomach shots
First Aid
Buzzy® is a great tool to have as part of your home or travel first aid kit for minor injuries. From boo boos to bumps and bruises, to burning or itching from medications, rashes or insect bites, the patented combination of ice and vibration can provide instant pain relief and help ease discomfort.
Bumps and Bruises
Place Buzzy® with frozen ice wings attached directly on the site of pain. The ice pack will reduce swelling and inflammation. The vibration increases blood flow to help the healing process.
Burning or Itching
Burning and itching may occur from medications, allergies, rashes, dermatitis, or insect bites, causing pain and irritation. Buzzy® can help. Take frozen ice wings and massage the vibrating Buzzy® /ice wing combination directly on the site that hurts or itches. Rub of press in place until the area feels better. Do not place Buzzy® directly on a thermal burn (caused by a heat source, such touching a hot surface, fire or scalds from steam or hot water).
Flu Shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year as much as 20% of Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, resulting in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Yet, according to a survey conducted by Target and Harris Interactive, out of the 60 percent of American adults who choose not to receive a flu vaccination, 24 percent stated the reason is a fear of needles. Buzzy® can help. Buzzy® is the only device clinically proven to reduce needle pain and needle fear and anxiety.
Multiple studies demonstrate better flu experiences for adults with Buzzy®. In the biggest study to date found significant pain reduction, and said using Buzzy® was significantly better than previous flu vaccination experiences (62.0% vs. 23.9%, p < .0001). In a study at Jewel Osco, 45% of seniors who used Buzzy® said its availability would dictate where they got the flu shot next year, and 84% felt no pain (average age 64). Buzzy® has over 50 independent randomized clinical trials supporting efficacy for pain AND fear.
For flu shots
Turn on the vibration and place Buzzy® on the site of the flu shot. Pain control is maximized by using Buzzy®’s ice wings to cool/numb and vibration to desensitize the area directly for 30-60 seconds, then move Buzzy® just proximal (toward the head or spine) during the shot. If the flu injection burns, the pain can be relieved by rubbing Buzzy®’s cold and vibration over the area after the medicine is in.
For children
Put an arm around your child age 4+ and hold Buzzy® on the sitefor about 30 seconds before the shot. Even with Buzzy® there will be dull touch sensations (those are transmitted on different nerves that Buzzy® doesn’t block) so use distraction questions or DistrACTION® cards to entertain and pull attention away if the child already has a needle phobia.
When the injection is ready, move the Buzzy® up and keep pressing on the nearest bony surface to maximize vibration transmission. If multiple immunizations are being given, change out the cold packs on each arm so the sites each have 30 seconds of numbing.
Additional Resources for Flu Shot
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Buzzy®
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Adult flu shot preparation video
Buzzy® PLUS DistrAction® cards
Hold Buzzy® close to the shot Buzzy® flu relief
Injuries
Injuries can be caused by specific events, such as accidents or falls, or from reptitive actions. Injuries may impact bones, joints, muscles, tendons and more. Common examples include wrist fractures, ankle sprains, shoulder dislocations, and hamstring muscle strain. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, lifting items, or even spending too much time on your feet. These injuries are often accompanied by pain and discomfort. Rest and time can help the healing process of minor injuries. Treating the pain with drugs is not always a good option. Opioids, NSAIDs, and even acetaminophen may cause adverse health reactions. The Oscillice® technology of Buzzy® and VibraCool® can block pain and help speed recovery and the healing process.
Bumps and Bruises
Place Buzzy® or VibraCool® with frozen ice wings / ice packs attached directly on the site of pain. The ice pack will reduce swelling and inflammation. The vibration increases blood flow to help the healing process.
Elbow/Wrist Injuries
Repetitive motions involving the wrist and elbow, such as typing, writing, texting, gaming and sports such as golf, tennis, baseball, lacrosse and even bowling may cause wrist or elbow pain (ie carpal tunnel, tendinitis, golfer/tennis elbow, bowler’s wrist and gamer’s thumb), swelling and tenderness in the forearm. VibraCool® Easy Fit for Elbow/Wrist offers wearable pain relief that is easy to apply one-handed. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pouch on the compression strap. 2. Secure snugly with vibration unit over the area of pain. 3. Activate vibration by firmly pressing button on top of unit for at least 0.5 seconds 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes VibraCool® Elbow/Wrist has an energy saving automatic shutoff after 10 minutes of constant use. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
Knee/Ankle or Lower Extremity Muscle/Joint Injuries
Lifting, falls, and sports can be common causes of lower extremity injuries involving tendons, joints, and muscles. These may include ankle/knee sprains, IT band sydrome, meniscal tears, quadricep or hamstring strains, and ACL strain. VibraCool® Extended (knee, ankle or larger muscles) or Easy Fit (ankle or for children/smaller muscles) offer wearable pain relief. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pouch on the compression strap. 2. Secure snugly with vibration unit over the area of pain. 3. Activate vibration by firmly pressing button on top of unit for at least 0.5 seconds 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes VibraCool® Elbow/Wrist has an energy saving automatic shutoff after 10 minutes of constant use. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
For Back or Hip Injuries
Sitting in a chair, car or plane for long durations, as well as lifting, falls, and sports can be common causes of back or hip injuries. This pain may be acute, or sharp, dull and achey, or may involve muscle spasms. VibraCool® Flex is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket and slide onto included latex-free band or onto your on belt. 2. Secure snugly with the strap or your belt, with vibration unit positioned over the area of pain. 3. Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit. 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes. 5. To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
For Neck Injuries
A sudden neck movement, like from a car accident or fall, is often the cause of a neck strain or sprain. Everyday activities, such as poor posture , sitting at a desk, texting/mobile phone use or awkward sleeping positions, can also cause these types of neck injuries. These injuries may include whiplash, pinched nerves, disc herniations, and swollen joints. Symptoms of these injuries include pain with neck movement, neck stiffness (sometimes described as a “crick in the neck”), muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder, or reduced neck flexibility. VibraCool® Flex is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket 2. Hold vibration unit positioned over the area of pain on your neck. You may also lean against the unit while laying on a bed or leaning against a chair back. 3. Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit. 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes. 5. To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
Additional Resources for Injuries
Products
VibraCool®
Buzzy®
Insect Bites & Stings
You can use Buzzy® to stop the painful sting and lessen the irritation caused by flies, bees, wasps, mosquitos, gnats, chiggers and ants. Some insects leave a stinger, others do not. This will be obvious to the naked eye. If you do not see a stinger, go straight to the work of treating pain, detailed below. If you do see a stinger, remove it as quickly as possible since the venom sac will release venom as long as the stinger is in. Fingers work fine if tweezers are not available.
Placing ice directly on the site immediately may be too intense. Placing Buzzy® (with or without ice pack) near the sting can help. Place Buzzy® “between the brain and the pain” to block the stinging sensation. Once the sting starts itching, scratching will spread and worsen the reaction. Buzzy® will relieve the itch without spreading the reaction. Use ibuprofen and ice for pain relief.
Systemic reactions (e.g., wheezing, lip swelling, vomiting, hives) are beyond this tip guide. Give Benadryl® and call or go to the doctor. Even non-allergic kids react about 4-10x what they would to a mosquito bite, including redness, swelling, and pain, followed by itching.
Additional Resources for Insect Bites & Stings
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How to Thread strap through
Buzzy XL
Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain and may occur in and around the knee joint. Pain can range from mild to debilitating. It may be caused by many factors, including heavy physical activity, lack of use, injuries such as sprains or strains, sitting in a constrained area, or sitting on knees for a prolonged period. Common sports-related knee injuries include ACL strains/tears, meniscal injuries, patella-femoral syndrome, or iliotibial (IT) band pain. Arthritis, gout, infections, and recovery from knee surgery are other painful conditions.
Treating pain with drugs is not always a good option. Opioids, NSAIDs, and even acetaminophen may cause adverse health reactions. Whether your knee pain is related to a medical condition, injury, or everyday aches and pains from life, VibraCool®‘s wearable, comfortable mechanical stimulation is safe and easy to use, providing pain relief on contact while speeding the healing process.
Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain and can range from mild to debilitating.
For knee pain
Put VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pouch on compression strap. 2. Secure snugly with vibration unit over the area of pain. 3. Activate vibration by switching the toggle switch. 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes. For optimal relief and recovery, use VibraCool® for 20 minutes, 2-3x a day until you no longer hurt.
For IT band pain
For IT band pain, position VibraCool® above the knee joint, toward the outer aspect of the knee joint.
For jumper’s knee
For jumper’s knee, position the VibraCool® unit below the knee cap.
For post-surgerical knee pain
Your physician or physical therapist will instruct you to begin a cryotherapy, or icing protocol, as early as the day of your surgery. Use VibraCool® as instructed for your recommended icing protocol. Use ice as often as every 2 hours. You may use the vibration unit alone for mechanical stimulation as often as you would like, for as long as you would like, to provide ongoing pain relief. Place ice pack directly on area of pain, or just above and further up the thigh if it provides better pain relief.
Place VibraCool® over the ice pack. Wrap the strap around and secure to itself with the Velcro® fastener at the end of the strap. VibraCool® may be used on top of bandages.
For Allergy Testing
Allergy testing may be uncomfortable and cause itching. To relieve the itching from allergy testing, place Buzzy® “Between the brain and the pain”. (See “Buzzy® Placement”.) For testing on the arm, place Buzzy® closer to the shoulder as close as possible to the scratch patch. For testing on the entire back, place Buzzy® between the shoulder blades. The nerves come in horizontally to the spine, then up the spine, so the top of the spine as close as possible to the “scratch patch” is the right place.
Typical experience using Buzzy® for scratch testing
- Itching was relieved after 7 seconds when Buzzy® was used with ice pack.
- Itching was relieved after 12 seconds when used with vibration alone.
- Buzzy® was more effective when pressed in place at the top of the spine, but was not as effective when simply lying on the back as in the picture.
- After removing Buzzy®, the itching returned after 17 seconds following the buzzy-plus-ice wing trials, and after 13 seconds following the vibration only trials.
Cold (down to -20F) has been researched and found NOT to alter the histamine reaction allergy tests look for. In addition, Buzzy® was found to be the most effective intervention to relieve the discomfort of testing.
For Allergy Injections
- Place Buzzy® directly on the site for 30-60 seconds before the procedure
- Place “between the brain and the pain” during the needle placement and medication administration.
- For subcutaneous placement on the back side of the arm, place Buzzy® as shown in this picture, then slide Buzzy® toward the armpit/head during the shot itself.
Additional Resources for Knee Pain
Products
VibraCool® Extended
Videos
VibraCool® for Knee and IT
Band Pain
How to use VIbraCool®
Extended
Laser Procedures
Lasers can permanently reduce or remove unwanted hair. Laser procedures are increasingly used for skin resurfacing. For many, laser treatment can be associated with a stinging sensation. Buzzy®’s patented combination of cold and vibration can naturally help reduce the pain.
For laser procedures
On the face, press Buzzy® to the bone nearest the injection for best pain relief. The dermatome for the forehead comes downward straight from the scalp line, so place Buzzy® between the hairline and the injection. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle or device with the switch end pointing away. Buzzy® Mini has an indentation on the bottom end, showing to “put the shot near the dot.” Cold and ice work best in areas where there is one nerve pathway, or dermatome. In areas like the bikini, there are too many overlapping nerves, so focusing on vibration sensations while holding Buzzy® on the chest as pure distraction may work best for the most delicate areas to be treated.
Myofascial
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder. Pressure on sensitive points in the muscles (trigger points) causes referred pain in seemingly unrelated parts of the body. Myofascial pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. The pain can be made worse with activity or stress.Treating pain with drugs is not always a good option. Opioids, NSAIDs, and even acetaminophen may cause adverse health reactions. VibraCool® is FDA cleared to treat myofascial pain caused by trigger points, restricted motion and muscle tension.
When treating myofascial pain syndome, physicians may recommend needle procedures, such as trigger point injections and dry needling. For trigger point injections, a a numbing agent or a steroid is injected into into a trigger point to help relieve pain. For dry needling, a small,think needle is inserted into several places in and around the trigger point to break up the muscle tension. Proven to reduce needle pain, Buzzy® can improve the patient experience with these needle procedures.
For Myofascial Pain
Put VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pouch on compression strap (VibraCool® Extended or Easy Fit) or pocket for Flex. 2. Secure snugly with vibration unit over the area of pain. 3. Activate vibration by switching the toggle switch. 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 10-20 minutes. 5. To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. If the area is constantly aching, leave vibration going as long as necessary. VibraCool® can be left on during any stretching exercises to loosen muscles. Great for pre-weight lifting warm up and post-exercise soreness. For optimal relief and recovery, use VibraCool® for 20 minutes, 2-3x a day until you no longer hurt.
For trigger point injections
Pain control is maximized by placing Buzzy® with ice pack on the site of injection, leaving in place 30 – 60 seconds. The ice wings cool and numb the area and the vibration desensitizes the area. Next, move Buzzy® just proximal (toward the head or spine) during the shot. When injections burn, the pain can be relieved by rubbing Buzzy®’s cold and vibration over the area after the medicine is administered. There is no risk of shrinking blood vessels
For dry needling
Pain control is maximized by placing Buzzy® with ice pack and vibration on the site of dry needling, leaving in place 30 – 60 seconds. The ice wings cool and numb the area and the vibration desensitizes the area. Next, move Buzzy® just proximal (toward the head or spine) during the dry needling treatment. After treatment, rub Buzzy® with fresh, frozen ice wing and vibration, over the site of dry needling to relieve post-procedure soreness.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it’s leaning over your computer or mobile phone, driving or hunching over your workbench. It may be caused by prolonged straining (looking up or down), sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or stress. Common injuries from falls or car accidents may cause neck pain from whiplash, pinched nerves, disc herniations, or swollen joints. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, meningitis or cancer, can also cause neck pain. Occipital neuralgia is another conditon that can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Rest and time can help the healing process of minor injuries. Symptoms of neck pain may include stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle tightness, or even headaches. Treating the pain with drugs is not always a good option. Opioids, NSAIDs, and even acetaminophen may cause adverse health reactions. The mechanical stimulation (m-stim) technology of VibraCool® can block pain and help speed recovery and the healing process.
For Neck Pain
VibraCool® Flex is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket 2. Hold vibration unit positioned over the area of pain on your neck. You may also lean against the unit while laying on a bed or leaning against a chair back. 3. Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit. 4. To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes. 5. To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
For Headaches
Fo headaches due to occipital neuralgia, follow the instructions above. Position the VibraCool® Flex vibration unit near the base of the back of the head, toward the top of the neck. You may also use the VibraCool® Extended unit /VibraCool® Extended strap by wrapping the strap around the head to hold the unit in place. If your headache is sensitive to the sound of vibration, you may use the strap with the ice pack or heat pack to relieve pain and relax neck muscles.
Additional Resources for Neck Pain
Products
VibraCool® Flex
VibraCool® Extended
VibraCool® Extended Strap
Videos
VibraCool® Flex
VIbraCool® Extended
Downloadable Resources
VibraCool® IFU
Needle Phobia
Needle phobia is an extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections or needles. Studies suggest 63% of young adults – those born in 2000 or later – fear needles. Over the past 40 years, we have added 30 injections to a child’s vaccine schedule, with children recieving booster getting up to 5 injections in one visit. For most people who have this fear, it develops around age 4 or 5 with a bad immunization experience. This fear can lead to reduced adherence to future vaccinations, such as HPV and the flu shot.
Additionally, about 3-5% of women and 1-2% of men have a genetic predisposition to getting light-headed or fainting (ie vasovagal syncope) in response to needle procedures. While this can lead to an avoidance or fear of needles, it starts out as physiologic response first. Two meta-analyses showed Buzzy® provided significant pain and fear relief – a 40% to 74% decrease for children, and a better experience for adults when receiving an flu shot. Buzzy® is the only clinically proven needle fear solution, which has blocked pain from 35MM needle procedures and is proven effective in over 50+ clinical trials.
In addition to treating the physical pain asssociated with needle fear, there are other tools that can help. Distraction is an incredible tool to mediate both fear and pain in needle procedures. Numerous studies show the effectiveness of distraction in reducing pain and negative emotions during injections. According to clinical research, Buzzy® Pain Relief can reduce IV needle pain by 50%; some studies have looked at both pain and fear. Used with DistrACTION® Cards, Buzzy® can almost completely eliminate pain (0.53 on a 10 point scale, Inal S.). The physiology of cold and vibration, called Gate Control, naturally blocks out the competing stimulation of pain. Controlling as many aspects of a medical visit as possible is one way to control your fear of needles.
Distraction is an incredible tool to mediate both fear and pain in needle procedures.
For Needle Phobia
Pain control is maximized by using Buzzy®’s ice wings to cool/numb and vibration to desensitize the area directly for 30-60 seconds, then move Buzzy® just proximal (toward the head or spine) during the shot. When injections burn, the pain can be relieved by rubbing Buzzy®’s cold and vibration over the area after the medicine is in.
Put an arm around your child age 4+ and hold Buzzy® on the site for about 30 seconds before the shot. Even with Buzzy® there will be dull touch sensations (those are transmitted on different nerves that Buzzy® doesn’t block) so use distraction questions or DistrACTION® cards to entertain and pull attention away if the child already has a needle phobia.
When the injection is ready, move the Buzzy® up and keep pressing on the nearest bony surface to maximize vibration transmission. If multiple immunizations are being given, change out the cold packs on each arm so the sites each have 30 seconds of numbing.
Distraction can reduce pain by up to 50%, often better than medical pain relief, which can have a positive effect on reducing needle phobia. Use DistACTION® cards to support efforts to reduce needle phobia and needle pain. These brightly colored cards on a convenient snap ring make a parent or staff able to distract like a pro! Simply flip a card toward your child and ask the age-appropriate question on the back. Medical professionals can easily attach the DistrACTION® card ring or individual cards to a badge.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a type of care that aims to relieve pain and help people function, move or recover from injuries or surgery. It can help people of all ages treat a variety of help problems. Physical therapy treatment is provided by a physical therapist, who is a licensed health professional who has specific graduate training in physical therapy. They are commonly referred to as PTs or physiotherapists. They work with your doctor to guide treatments that will help you feel better and get back to full function or the abilit to do everyday tasks. This includes exercises and other treatments, such as stretches, massage, dry needling, heat or cold therapy,or helping you learn to use gadgets that may provide pain relief, help you move, or stay balanced. Physical therapists may also prescribe exercises for you to do at home to build strength, stabilize your core muscles, or improve range of motion for your shoulders or knees. Sometimes these exercises may be challenging due to existing pain or may result in temporary muscle soreness. VibraCool® is unique, portable, wearable device that leverages mechanical stimulation (M-stim) to reduce pain on contact, while increasing blood flow and improving mobility. VibraCool®‘s M-stim uses vibration to vasodilate, or increase blood flow, mechanically separate muscle fibers to reduce delayed onsite muscle soreness (DOMS), and reduce spasm.
VibraCool® can be used before physical therapy to increase blood flow and mobility, during treatment to relieve pain and facilitate muscle stretch, and after physical therapy when the mechanical stimulation and ice can reduce pain and inflammation. VibraCool can be used for rehabilitation exercises and pain relief in the PT clinic, on the athletic field, at work, or at home, making home therapy compliance easy!
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot/heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
Although anyone may experience plantar fasciitis, it is most common among people between the ages of 40 and 60. Certain types of exercise and activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis. Foot mechanics may be another factor that can lead to plantar fasciitis. Flat feet, a high arch or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
Factory workers, health care workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can damage the plantar fascia.
People with occupations that keep you on your feet frequently experience this type of foot pain. Factory workers, health care workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can damage the plantar fascia. Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, including resting, icing the painful area and stretching.
Other painful foot conditions include gout, plantar wart pain, bunion pain, and heel spur pain. VibraCool® provides wearable pain relief, with mechanical stimulation (M-stim) technology that can block pain on contact and can be used during icing and stretching exercises. VibraCool® Plantar’s vibration unit, with it’s dual-curve design, fits into the arch of the foot. It’s velcro strap and specially-designed ice packs fit comfortably on the foot, and secure the vibration unit in place.
For Plantar Fasciitis
- Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use.
- Insert hands-free strap through slot. Thread ice pack on top of the curved surface of the VibraCool®. Place foot on top of ice pack and attach unit to foot with the hands-free strap.
- Press switch to “on” and leave in place until ice pack melts (8-10 minutes).
- Repeat if desired. Unit will vibrate until the switch is turned off.
For Gout, Bunions, Other Foot Pain
- Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. insert hands-free strap through slot. Thread ice pack below the curved surface of the VibraCool®. Place ice pack side where pain is and attach unit with the hands-free strap.
- Press switch to “on” and leave in place until ice pack melts (8-10 minutes).
- Repeat if desired. Unit will vibrate until the switch is turned off.
Restricted Muscles
Restricted range of motion and muscle tension are common painful conditions that can be caused by activities, injuries, or medical conditions. These medical conditions may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, or sepsis of the joint. Other causes of restricted range of motion include: inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, or joint swelling, muscle stiffness, pain, joint dislocation, or fractures in various areas of the body.
VibraCool® is FDA cleared to treat myofascial pain caused by trigger points, restricted motion and muscle tension. It’s great for pre-weight lifting warm up and post-exercise soreness.
For restricted muscles and muscle tension
VibraCool® Flex is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need. The M-stim technology increases blood flow and facilitates muscle stretch. Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket place where you hurt.
For the back or shoulder
- Slide neoprene pocket onto included latex-free band or onto your on belt.
- Secure snugly with the strap or your belt, with vibration unit positioned over the area of pain.
- Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit.
- To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneath strap prior to placing on painful or stiff/tight area.
- For inflammation, add ice. Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
Additional Resources for Restricted Muscles
Videos
Core Stabilization
Range of Motion – Shoulder
Muscle Stimulation
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain and injuries may occur can be caused by many factors, including manual labor, falls, playing sports, overuse or repetitive motion, and even sleeping on your side. Conditions such as arthritis, torn cartelidge or rotator cuffs, pinched nerves, or frozen shoulder may also cause pain. The most common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tendinitis and impengment syndrome. Also, as we grow older, especially for those 60+ years of age, shoulder problems become common due to degeneration of the surrounding soft tissue. Mechanical stimulation with VibraCool® can provide pain relief on contact for joint pain or pain caused by restricted motion, muscle tension or spasm.
For shoulder pain
VibraCool® Flex is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need.
- Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket
- Hold vibration unit positioned over the area of pain on your neck or use included latex-free band to position the vibration unit over the area of pain. You may also slide the unit under a shoulder brace, support sleeve, or ace bandage/wrap.
- Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit.
- To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes.
- To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
Splinters
Removing a splinter is easiest either immediately or one day after it lodges. Redness around the splinter can make it hurt more. If it does not come out easily, soak the area or apply antibiotic ointment. The body will have a chance to make fluid and infection-fighting white cells, which can make it easier to remove the next day. Whenever you remove the splinter, Buzzy® can help.
Make sure your child is in a comfortable spot with good lighting. Let the “patient” play with Buzzy® for a moment to get used to it. When you’re ready, place Buzzy® a few centimeters away from the splinter. For best results, make sure the ice pack is frozen solid, and leave in place about 30 seconds or longer. If they have a doll or animal, consider taping or placing a toothpick, and let them concentrate on taking it out while you do. You can use any of the distractions listed on the Pain Distraction page (blow out a puff of air, add numbers, do a task).
For a finger splinter
Put Buzzy® in the palm with the vibrating end toward the splinter. For a toe or foot splinter, have your child lay on their tummy, and put Buzzy® on the foot. Turn it on, and after 10 seconds or so, try to remove the splinter.
For a large splinter
Gently splitting the skin on top of the lodged splinter can make it easier to remove. Once finished, apply antibiotic ointment with or without a band-aid. If some parts of the splinter remain, soaking in soapy water or just waiting should do the trick. If the area gets more red or has drainage, see your doctor.
Stress
Stress not only has a psycological impact, but can also have a physical impact on your body. Muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress—the body’s way of guarding against injury and pain. With sudden onset stress, the muscles tense up all at once, and then release their tension when the stress passes. Chronic stress may cause the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness. Both tension-type headache and migraine headache are associated with chronic muscle tension in the area of the shoulders, neck and head.
Musculoskeletal pain in the low back and upper extremities has also been linked to stress. Relaxation techniques, stretching and other stress-relieving activities and therapies can effectively reduce muscle tension, decrease the incidence of certain stress-related disorders, such as headache, and increase a sense of well-being. VibraCool® is a great to reduce the physical effects of stress. VibraCool®‘s unique mechanical stimulation (M-stim(tm)) technology loosens muscles and reduces muscle tension. VibraCool® is FDA cleared to treat myofascial pain caused by trigger points, restricted motion and muscle tension.
For stress-related muscle tension
VibraCool® Flex offers great versatility, enabling you to easily treat muscle tension in the areas of the head, neck, back or shoulders. VibraCool® Flexi is wearable pain relief that you can customize with heat or cold for the type of pain relief you need.
- Simply put the VibraCool® vibration unit into neoprene pocket.
- Hold vibration unit positioned over the area of pain on your neck or use included latex-free band to position the vibration unit over the area of muscle tension or pain. You may also slide the unit under a shoulder brace, support sleeve, or ace bandage/wrap.
- Activate vibration by turning on the button on top of unit.
- To add anti-inflammatory ice: Prepare unit: Freeze ice packs. Ice packs must be solid for use. Place frozen ice pack underneath the strap prior to placing on pain. Ice will remain frozen for 20 minutes.
- To add muscle-relaxing heat: Click the metal plate within the heat pack. It may take a few clicks to activate. Place heat pack underneathe strap prior to placing on pain. We recommend using VibraCool® 2-3x a day for 3-5 days while you hurt.
Tattoos
During tattooing, one or more needles insert ink into the dermis, the second layer of your skin. The needles are attached to a handheld device that works like a sewing machine. As the needles move up and down, they repeatedly pierce your skin. During tattoo application, it may feel like stinging, scratching, burning, vibrating, or dullness Different parts of the body may be more sensitive to the pain, such as the neck/throat, inner wrist, stomach, ankle, or top of the foot. Even the most eager tattoo enthusiast will agree that getting a tattoo hurts! Cold and vibration have been proven to naturally decrease pain for tattoos.
For tattoo application
Place Buzzy® on the site to pre-numb for 30-60 seconds. During the procedure, place Buzzy® between the brain and the pain. Make sure the bottom of Buzzy® is pointing toward the needle with the switch end pointing away.
Vaccinations
Vaccines and immunizations play a critical role in keeping people healthy and protecting us from preventable diseases. accination is the administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease. Vaccines contain a microorganism or virus in a weakened, live or killed state, or proteins or toxins from the organism.
Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, are still a threat, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths every year. Other vaccinations, such as the flu, can prevent the illness or minimize its symptoms and impact of the illness. Vaccination protects others you care about, including family members, friends, grandparents, and coworkers. If people aren’t vaccinated, they can spread disease to others who are too young to be vaccinated or to people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients and people with cancer. This could result in long-term complications and even death for these vulnerable people. Quite simply, vaccinations save lives. We all have a public health commitment to our communities to protect each other and each other’s children by vaccinating our own family members.
Needle fear is the most common reason people don’t get vaccinated.
The most effective way to deliver many vaccinations is through needle procedures, such as shots, which may be painful. Needle fear is the most common reason people don’t get vaccinated. People are more adherent when shots hurt less. Buzzy® is the only clinically proven needle pain and fear solution, which has blocked pain from 35MM needle procedures and is proven effective in over 50+ clinical trials. Two meta-analyses showed Buzzy® provided significant pain and fear relief – a 40% to 74% decrease for children, and a better experience for adults when receiving an flu shot. Buzzy® decreased pain 73% for children aged 7 getting a single TDap immunization. In one adult group average age 64, 84% found the flu vaccine to be painless with Buzzy, and 88% said they’d use Buzzy® again.
For vaccinations
Turn on the vibration and place Buzzy® on the site of the shot. Pain control is maximized by using Buzzy®’s ice wings to cool/numb and vibration to desensitize the area directly for 30-60 seconds, then move Buzzy® just proximal (toward the head or spine) during the shot. If the injection burns, the pain can be relieved by rubbing Buzzy®’s cold and vibration over the area after the medicine is in.
For children
Put an arm around your child age 4+ and hold Buzzy® on the sitefor about 30 seconds before the shot. Even with Buzzy® there will be dull touch sensations (those are transmitted on different nerves that Buzzy® doesn’t block) so use distraction questions or DistrACTION® cards to entertain and pull attention away if the child already has a needle phobia.
When the injection is ready, move the Buzzy® up and keep pressing on the nearest bony surface to maximize vibration transmission. If multiple immunizations are being given, change out the cold packs on each arm so the sites each have 30 seconds of numbing.”
Warts & Cryotherapy
Warts are small skin growths with a rough texture that can appear anywhere on the body. They may look like a solid blister or a small cauliflower. Warts are most common in children. As many as 1 in 3 children and teenagers are estimated to have warts, but only 3 to 5 percent of adults. Warts are caused by viruses. Types of warts include common warts, flat warts, pigmented warts, palmer and plantar warts. For common warts in adults and older children, cryotherapy (freezing) and injection of an irritant are the most common treatments. Buzzy® can help with the pain associated with cryotherapy and wart removal.
For Warts and Cryotherapy
Place Buzzy® “Between the brain and the pain” proximal to the area of freezing. Because cold will be used, there is no need to wait 30 seconds, simply place the vibrating Buzzy® with or without cold packs proximally.
Clinician Note: If you are accustomed to patients reacting to pain as a sign to stop spraying, be aware that the pain relief may blunt their reaction.