New research on the use of CoolPulse technology for foot injection pain was presented during the Foundation for Podiatric Medicine held from January 27 to January 29, 2017 in New York City. According to the research team from Temple University, Buzzy, a reusable pain blocking device that combines cold and vibration, reduces foot and ankle injection pain by 50% compared with cold spray alone.
New Study: CoolPulse Technology Reduces Foot Injection Pain
1 min read Premium comments
Secondary
In this clinical trial, Tracey Vlahovik, DPM, FFPM, FCPS, an associate professor in the department of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University’s School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and colleagues randomized 108 patients into treatment (vibration and cold spray) or control (cold spray only) groups. The primary outcome was pain which was measured by both patient and an observing physician.
Patients measured their pain using a 10-point numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) while the physicians used the Wong-Baker Pain Faces Ranking Scale (WBPFRS). Overall, patients in the treatment group experienced less pain (NPRS mean values: Treatment: 3.39, Control: 4.46; p = 0.022; WBPFRS mean values: Treatment: 2.29, Control: 4.05; p = 0.030).
The findings of the study (”Use of an external vibratory device as a pain management adjunct for injections to the foot and ankle”) were also published on The International Foot & Ankle Foundation’s Foot and Ankle Online Journal.
According to a press release, MMJ Labs, LLC’s CoolPulse technology is also used in VibraCool, a wearable pain therapy device that helps relieve aches and pains. VibraCool’s 20-minute ice packs work on the inflammation, pain and swelling, while the vibration loosens any stiffness and improves blood flow.
“Joint and foot injections can be intense, so having a drug-free device that works on contact is fast and convenient. Combining cold and vibration leverages the body’s own physiology to block pain,” explained physician inventor, Amy Baxter, M.D. in the release.
“I believe that our technologies have so many applications that we have not yet explored, and I appreciate the support from the scientific community who continue to confirm the effectiveness of vibration and ice therapy for all kinds of pain.”
React:
Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
Join the conversation
Orthopedic professionals are discussing this. Sign in and upgrade to read every comment and add your voice.