As technology continues to improve, researchers are always looking for ways to implement these new technologies into the field of modern medicine. 3D printers are helping surgeons prepare for tricky surgeries ahead of time, diagnostic testing is detecting cancer in early stages, and virtual reality headsets are making their way into rehab departments to help patients overcome whatever physical challenges they are facing. All of these technologies are fascinating, but in today’s blog, we want to explore the idea behind immersive virtual reality in a physical therapy setting.
Benefits Of Virtual Reality PT
Virtual reality headsets haven’t really taken off with the public like some had envisioned, but their practical use in physical therapy departments is becoming more commonplace. During an immersive reality PT session, a patient wears a headset that places them in a virtual and interactive environment. They can then move around or perform certain tasks in their virtual world while also experiencing the real world benefits of these motions.
While the technology may not be for everyone, many in the physical therapy community are optimistic about virtual reality PT because it offers the patient a few unique benefits compared to a standard session.
- Enhanced Freedom – Many patients who are pursuing physical therapy are physically limited as a result of their injury or condition. However, many of these limitations are minimized in a virtual reality landscape. For example, a patient may be able to simulate walking through a forest while wearing a VR headset despite the fact that outside their PT clinic, it’s 15 degrees and snowy. You can go to new places or try new tasks with the help of a VR headset.
- Mood Enhancer – As we’ve talked about on this blog in the past, the right mindset is key for your recovery journey. Many people may not be overjoyed about going through the same basic PT routines multiple times a week, but if they can wear a VR headset and become immersed in a new reality or play games that don’t feel strictly like therapy, it can change their mindset and have them looking forward to their next session. The effects that VR physical therapy can have on a person’s mental health cannot be overstated.
- Real World Simulations – While it would be fun to fight off dragons or score a touchdown while you’re wearing a VR headset, many of the headsets designed for use in a clinical setting are developed with the tasks you’ll perform most in mind. Many of them have games or programs that work to improve your balance, coordination, strength and fine motor skills, all of which will help you in the real world.
- Pain Distraction – When you’re immersed in a world of virtual reality, your brain is focused on the task at hand, meaning that pain signals may not be as obvious. Numerous studies have found that virtual reality physical therapy has been associated with lower pain scores in patients, both during their sessions and as their rehab progresses.
Potential VR Physical Therapy Drawbacks
Of course, virtual reality physical therapy isn’t a perfect solution. One issue that many physical therapists have with the current setup is that the VR programs are pretty general in nature. General rehab movements and exercises are fine for a bit, but each patient is dealing with their own unique injury and has their own goals in mind for recovery, so a one-size-fits-all program isn’t going to be the best option. Until we can program these virtual reality routines to hyperspecific movements and areas of focus, their benefits in a rehab setting will be limited.
There are also some other potential drawbacks with virtual reality physical therapy. For starters, the virtual immersion can have a disorientating effect, possibly contributing to dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea, and that impact can be amplified if the patient originally sought treatment for balance or coordination issues. There’s also the possibility for injury if not properly overseen, as patients will lose spatial awareness of the real world around them when wearing a headset. And finally, there is a potential cost barrier, as the technology can be expensive, and many of these costs end up being passed on to the patient.
In the right setting for the right patient, virtual reality physical therapy can be a gamechanger, but it’s clear that there’s still room to improve the technology. For now, we’ll stick to more proven technologies and expert industry insight to give our clients the best care possible. To see this care for yourself, or for help with a different physical issue, connect with the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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