Product & Clinical Information

VibraCool for Plantar Fasciitis

Drug-free vibration and cold therapy for podiatry and sports medicine

FDA Cleared TGA Accepted NDIS Claimable

VibraCool is a wearable pain relief device combining mechanical stimulation (M-Stim) with cold therapy, invented by Dr Amy Baxter MD, the physician behind Buzzy. VibraCool Plantar is purpose-built to fit the arch of the foot, giving patients a drug-free option for plantar fasciitis pain between appointments.

Physician Invented — Dr Amy Baxter, MD

How It Works

VibraCool delivers mechanical stimulation at 150 to 200 Hz. This frequency range triggers vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the plantar fascia.
The vibration helps separate stiffened, degenerated fibres, similar to shockwave therapy but with a gentler, lower amplitude stimulus.
Combined ice reduces inflammation and pain on contact.
FDA registered and 510(k) cleared as a medical device. TGA accepted for use in Australia.
3.4x
More effective than TENS in clinical studies
20 min
Recommended session, 2 to 3 times daily
2019
AAPM&R crossover trial, Marovino and Baxter
Published research describes VibraCool as a valuable adjunct for difficult to treat tendinopathies, with high patient compliance and tolerance. VibraCool is NDIS claimable, extending access for eligible patients.

Why VibraCool Instead of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is increasingly understood as an overuse and degeneration problem in the fascia itself, not purely inflammation. Shockwave therapy treats this by delivering small, concentrated pulses of energy to break apart fibres in the plantar fascia that have stiffened together from overuse and lactic acid buildup. It's effective, particularly for advanced cases where calcification has developed, but the pulses are painful and treatment requires repeat clinic visits.

VibraCool works on the same principle, using mechanical stimulation to separate those stiffened fibres, but at a much gentler, lower amplitude. At 150 to 200 Hz, it also triggers vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the area, which shockwave therapy doesn't directly address.

Evidence Behind VibraCool

50+
Published clinical trials on M-Stim technology
150-200Hz
Targeted mechanical stimulation frequency
Read the full published studies →

Plantar Fasciitis Webinar with Dr Baxter

Dr Amy Baxter walks through the physiology of plantar fasciitis and how to position VibraCool Plantar with patients in clinic.

FAQ

Common Questions

Is VibraCool the same as shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?

No, but they work on a similar principle. Both use mechanical energy to separate fibres in the plantar fascia that have stiffened from overuse. Shockwave therapy does this with a concentrated, high intensity pulse delivered in clinic, usually reserved for more advanced or calcified cases. VibraCool uses a gentler, lower amplitude vibration that patients can use themselves at home.

Does shockwave therapy hurt more than VibraCool?

Shockwave therapy is often uncomfortable, since it relies on strong, concentrated pulses to break apart stiffened fascia. VibraCool uses a much lower amplitude stimulus at 150 to 200 Hz, so a 20 minute session is generally well tolerated.

How long should patients use VibraCool for plantar fasciitis?

The recommended session is 20 minutes, two to three times a day. Because the stimulus is gentle enough to self-administer, patients can use it at home between appointments rather than only during a clinic visit.

Is VibraCool NDIS claimable for plantar fasciitis patients?

Yes. VibraCool is NDIS claimable, which extends access for eligible patients.

How does VibraCool compare to a TENS machine for plantar fasciitis?

In a 2019 AAPM&R crossover trial, VibraCool reduced pain 240 to 340% more effectively than TENS (Marovino and Baxter).