{"id":20287,"date":"2023-02-24T11:05:55","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T16:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20287"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:41:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T16:41:29","slug":"how-vr-can-be-used-for-physical-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-vr-can-be-used-for-physical-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"How VR Can Be Used for Physical Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virtual reality<\/span><\/a> (VR) uses computer modeling to create artificial 3D environments that wearable devices display close to the user’s eyes. The result is an immersive experience with visuals seeming to surround the user.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only have VR devices been used for entertainment purposes, but they have also been used for practical purposes in a variety of fields, including within healthcare.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, VR has <\/span>applications in physical therapy<\/span><\/a>. The devices can run software that calculates angular measurements and projects focal points to help the patient perform exercises by themselves. The technology can make remote physical therapy (PT) possible for patients who cannot visit a clinic themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t the only reason why VR is so beneficial within PT. For one, it\u2019s quite versatile for most specialties within PT. Let\u2019s take a closer look at these specific benefits within different subfields of physical therapy and how specialists can use them to advance their practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Neurological physical therapy<\/h2>\n

Neurological conditions affect the nervous system. Patients might need physical therapy for nerve damage due to injury, pain or chronic disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Luckily, VR can help with all of these conditions by creating simulated situations to help to increase a patient’s range of motion, deal with nerve pain and relearn daily tasks after neurological damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond these physical neurological conditions, headsets are also helpful with mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or anxiety. People with anxiety can use VR headsets to simulate stressful environments and <\/span>apply coping mechanisms to practice healthy responses<\/span><\/a> to their stressors. Meanwhile, virtual reality has also aided depression sufferers. Studies show that VR therapy sessions are effective in <\/span>teaching patients cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)<\/span><\/a>, a common treatment for mood disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reason why VR is so influential within neurological treatment is that it provides patients with a method to continually keep up with treatment. In most neurological PT treatment plans, <\/span>repetition<\/span><\/a> is key. The more someone performs an exercise, the faster their neurological pathways will reopen. Virtual reality headsets give them the accessibility to complete exercises at any time, which can help speed up recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Physicians can also use VR to keep up with patients\u2019 progress and how they may better readdress a treatment plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are suffering from a neurological condition, mental health disorder or cognitive ailment, the first step is to <\/span>make an appointment with a neurologist<\/span><\/a>. You can discuss the potential for using VR on its own or combined with face-to-face PT for your neurological condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Occupational therapy<\/h2>\n

Occupational therapy<\/span><\/a> focuses on restoring normal function to patients after an illness or injury. It can involve both physical and mental rehabilitation. Though patients typically associate this type of PT with regaining the ability to perform work tasks, it can also involve regaining the ability to complete any activities necessary for independent daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with other types of PT, repetition and consistency are essential for occupational therapy. VR can help with this for patients who need to perform daily exercises but cannot access a physical therapy center.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies conducted by the Florida Occupational Therapy Association have actually shown that <\/span>VR can speed up recovery time<\/span><\/a> for occupational therapy patients. They can perform the exact motions necessary to complete specific tasks related to work or daily life. However, because they are within a simulation, they limit the risk of injury from doing the motion in a real-life setting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With software, it is possible to adjust the level of difficulty and range of motion as the patient gradually improves and regains strength, range of motion or cognitive ability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rehabilitative physical therapy \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Rehabilitative physical therapy<\/span><\/a> helps patients regain mental or physical abilities after an injury, illness or acute health episode. The rehabilitative centers help patients regain mental and physical strength. The process often involves retraining the body and mind to perform normal daily activities or actions the patient accomplished easily before their health event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rehabilitative PT is most common in cases when treating a sports injury. Patients use the game-like settings to engage in exercises designed to restore full strength and function to the injured area. In addition to injuries from sports and other activities, VR-based rehab can help stroke patients, accident victims and those who experienced workplace injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One study published in the Open Access Journal of Orthopedic Trauma found that <\/span>VR improved engagement for rehab patients<\/span><\/a> and made access to exercises easier. Most study participants achieved the best results when combining VR with office-based visits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric physical therapy<\/h2>\n

Pediatric physical therapy brings a different set of challenges compared to other types of rehabilitation. Younger patients, especially those dealing with pain, have difficulty engaging in the exercises necessary for recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A study published in the NIH’s National Center of Biotechnology Information found that virtual reality headsets improved engagement in PT exercises in a cardiovascular intensive care unit. Therapists were able to get children to exercise for longer periods as well. The researchers also found that <\/span>VR made it possible to tailor rehab to address specific issues<\/span><\/a> keeping children from being discharged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The play aspect of VR is essential for <\/span>keeping pediatric patients engaged in physical therapy<\/span><\/a>. The immersive nature of VR helped counteract boredom and increase engagement. It also distracted them from discomfort and pain. <\/span>Pain management<\/span><\/a> is often a challenge for PT patients \u2014 with children completely avoiding certain movements that cause discomfort.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Geriatric physical therapy<\/h2>\n

Virtual reality can assist physical therapy efforts for people of all ages. Elderly PT patients experience <\/span>several conditions that can cause problems with balance<\/span><\/a> and limit mobility. As the population ages, more people become limited because of common problems like arthritis, muscle weakness and a lack of balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To address the increased demand for geriatric physical therapy, virtual reality can be used within treatment plans for all of these age-related conditions. As of 2018, initial studies showed that <\/span>balance exercises using VR equipment<\/span><\/a> could bring positive results to elderly patients. The advantages of this type of therapy include the ability to perform exercises at home in a safe environment instead of having to arrange transport to a clinic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vision therapy\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Patients with vision issues often undergo therapy in addition to getting corrective procedures, lenses or other types of treatments. VR treatments have proven effective for some types of vision issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Convergence and accommodative insufficiencies are related conditions that affect the eyes\u2019 ability to focus. Patients with these conditions experience frequent headaches and have trouble reading, working on a computer, and performing other basic daily tasks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

VR-based therapy has been successful<\/span><\/a> in training the eyes to focus on objects, specifically things that are close. If you suffer from vision problems, the first step is to <\/span>make an appointment with an ophthalmologist<\/span><\/a>. This vision specialist can help you decide if corrective procedures, therapy or VR-based treatments are the best option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How is VR improving physical therapy?<\/h2>\n

Virtual reality offers specific advantages for physical therapy both in terms of outcomes and access to care. If you need rehabilitation for an injury, illness or chronic condition, the first step is always to <\/span>make an appointment with a physical therapist<\/span><\/a>. They will be able to tell you if VR-based treatments are available for your PT needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a look at the benefits such an approach can bring to physical therapy patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improved pain management<\/h3>\n

VR brings unique pain management benefits. Researchers have found that <\/span>VR can offer a distraction from discomfort<\/span><\/a> by immersing the patient in a virtual world. Results also suggest that virtual reality can reduce the emotional response to pain and anxiety associated with the expectation of pain during physical therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Better patient engagement<\/h3>\n

Physical therapy can be a challenging ordeal with patients making incremental improvements via regular exercises. The process is tedious for patients, and a lack of interest or engagement can limit results and lengthen the timeframe for recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gamification<\/span><\/a> through VR helps to keep patients engaged during the therapy process. If they\u2019re interested in completing challenges in a VR setting, they\u2019ll be more likely to continue their exercises, and they may not even think of them as exercises. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Sensory training<\/h3>\n

VR exercises can also <\/span>incorporate other bodily systems<\/span><\/a> for a more complete rehab process. It can offer visual cues that help with posture, balance and movement during training. This sensory training can improve results for some types of rehab because the immersive virtual environment can train sensory systems. It\u2019s not possible to get this type of training in a clinical PT setting.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to balance training and other benefits, sensory activities can help <\/span>increase calmness<\/span><\/a> and awareness of the body and hone motor skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Better long-term outcomes<\/h3>\n

One of the issues of physical therapy is that patients need support to ensure they complete exercises correctly. This typically requires working closely with a PT specialist in a clinical setting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With virtual reality, patients can perform their exercises at home, increasing repetition and consistency and helping them deal with issues such as a lack of transportation or the inability to physically get to appointments because of their injury.<\/span><\/p>\n