Rehab Reimagined Blogs & Research
Breathing, Relaxation, and Pain Distraction: Evidence-Based Approaches in VR
In practice, I have seen this effect firsthand. One patient, confined to bed and relying on narcotic pain medication, initially resisted therapy because his pain was overwhelming. Once immersed in a distraction-based VR environment, his focus shifted entirely. His breathing slowed, his muscles softened, and his expression changed. Within minutes, his reported pain dropped from a 9 to a 2. When the nurse returned with his next medication dose, he declined it, saying he finally felt ready to get up and walk. This moment captured what the data shows: distraction through immersion is not avoidance; it is engagement through relief.
Introducing the AVRwell XR Relief Suite
We’re excited to announce that the XR Relief Suite is now available for facilities and XR health platforms managing devices through MDMs like ArborXR and ManageXR.
Originally developed by our team at Penumbra in collaboration with clinicians at the VA, and deployed across VA facilities, these apps are now accessible to providers and platforms on Quest 3 and 3S.
Virtual Reality in Pain Management: A Breakthrough for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative tool in healthcare, particularly in pain management for musculoskeletal disorders. As a healthcare professional, I have witnessed firsthand how VR can significantly reduce pain levels, enhance rehabilitation participation, and even eliminate the need for pain medication in some cases. Recent research supports these observations, highlighting VR’s effectiveness as a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional pain relief methods.