Pocket Physio® vs Locker Room: What’s the Real Difference?

When people search online for “Pocket Physio,” they sometimes find two very different products with similar names. As the registered owner of the Pocket Physio® trademark, I want to clarify the difference so you can find the product you’re actually looking for — and so Google can too.

Why the Confusion Exists. Previously, “Pocket Physio” has been used to describe small plastic tools that target muscle tension. The Locker Room product is a manual plastic wedge that you press into tight muscles using your own body weight.

Pocket Physio®, on the other hand, is a vibrating medical device — a new-generation tool that uses mechanical vibration to relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and fatigue. Although the names sound similar, these products couldn’t be more different in design, mechanism, and approach. 

Pocket Physio®: The Next Step in Self-Care Created by Elena von Rosenberg, a physiotherapist with dual Master’s degrees in Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and international experience.

Pocket Physio® was born out of a simple idea: to make professional-grade vibration available to everyone, anytime, anywhere. This thumb-sized, rechargeable device delivers thousands of gentle vibrations per minute. It has a specific calibrated frequency. It’s shaped like a physiotherapist’s thumb so you can reach small, sensitive areas — such as the neck, jaw, calves, and feet — without strain or effort. It’s powerful enough for professional use yet compact and quiet enough for home care.

Pocket Physio® is ARTG-listed (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods) as a medical device designed to relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and fatigue. This ensures it meets the standards required for safe use in Australia.

Locker Room’s Manual Tool: A Different Concept Locker Room’s product is a non-vibrating manual plastic wedge. It relies entirely on the user applying pressure by hand or body weight to create tissue release. It’s a simple design that can help some people who prefer static trigger-point pressure, but it doesn’t use vibration and is not ARTG-listed. Because the Locker Room tool requires manual force, it can be uncomfortable or difficult to use for people with chronic tension, joint pain, or limited strength.

Feature	Pocket Physio®	Locker Room Manual Tool
Mechanism	Electrical vibration (~7000 RPM)	Manual pressure only
Material	Medical-grade aluminium alloy	Plastic
Power Source	Rechargeable lithium battery (USB magnetic charger)	None
ARTG Status	ARTG listed Class I medical device	Not ARTG listed
Primary Effect	Relieves muscle tension, stiffness & fatigue through vibration	Applies static trigger-point pressure
Ease of Use	Requires no strength or awkward positioning	Requires leaning or pressing into tool

 

Why Vibration Matters

Vibration has been used in physiotherapy for decades because it provides mechanical stimulation that reduces muscle and helps tissues relax without pain.

Studies in humans and animals show benefits for flexibility, muscle recovery, and joint stiffness when vibration is applied regularly.

Pocket Physio® brings this principle into a hand-held format — offering a quick, comfortable way to release tension without relying on brute force. Designed for Comfort and Precision Every curve of the Pocket Physio® was designed with clinical insight. The tapered, thumb-shaped tip lets you glide over the skin or hold it on a single point to target deep muscle tension precisely. It’s small enough to carry in your bag and quiet enough to use in the office or clinic.

Pocket Physio® is trusted by physiotherapists, Pilates practitioners, and movement specialists across Australia.

A growing number of pet owners and veterinarians are adopting vibration care for animals — a technique long used in equine and zoo rehabilitation. Whether you’re an athlete, desk worker, or simply someone who wants to ease daily tension, Pocket Physio® offers a scientifically grounded, convenient way to look after your body.

The Key Takeaway: Although both products have “Pocket Physio” in their name, only one is the registered vibrating device:

• Pocket Physio® → the vibrating medical device by ActiveLife Pty Ltd, ARTG listed for muscle tension, stiffness, and fatigue. 

• Locker Room tool → a manual plastic wedge, unrelated to ActiveLife Pty Ltd.

If you’re looking for the vibrating version, ensure you purchase from the official site:  www.pocket.physio 

Trademark Notice: Pocket Physio® is a registered trademark of ActiveLife Pty Ltd (Australia). Any other product using the same name is not affiliated with or endorsed by the brand. Please refer only to the official website for information and authorised stockists.