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In our ever-changing world, technology has flourished over the past decades. With computers, phones, assistive devices, and so much more, technology has shaped how we now communicate, move, work, and inherit knowledge. Virtual Reality(VR) was introduced to rehabilitation services in the 1990s and has grown immensely since. Now, in physiotherapy practices all over the world, VR has taken these clinics by storm, giving patients and practitioners another mode of treatment.
Virtual reality (VR) is defined as “a computer-generated simulation of a 3D image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way using specialty electronic equipment.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2024). At In Step, we now offer treatment integrating MetaQuest 3, which is a VR headset plus two hand controllers to indulge your senses in a virtual world filled with games involving movement, coordination, and cognitive exercises. Additionally, we incorporate augmented reality physiotherapy techniques to enhance your rehabilitation experience, merging real-world and virtual elements for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) can be used with a variety of populations such as, but not limited to, acute injury rehabilitation (orthopedic), neurological, chronic conditions, pediatrics, and individuals who are prone to falls.
Pain Management
There are plenty of holistic benefits associated with VTR. Not only can it help improve pain management, flexibility, mobility, and muscle strength, but it also helps by making recovery more energizing and engaging (Kulkarni, Naqvi, 2022). A very common barrier in the health industry when it comes to movement and exercise is adherence. Making treatment more fun is an easy way to help clients want to continue with their recovery exercises, and VRT can do just that!
VRT adds different environments and scenarios to engage the patients and maintain the treatment goals. Adding new and stimulating surroundings/games can “distract” or move the focus away from pain, thereby enabling more movement for orthopedic patients.
For patients with neurological conditions (post-stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, etc.) VRT has shown a range of benefits, including improvement in motor functions, greater community participation, and improved psychological and cognitive function.
Individuals with fibromyalgia and seniors have also shown improved mobility, balance, and decreased fear of falling, thereby improving overall quality of life when integrating VR into their physical therapy treatment (Massetti, Da Silva, Crocette, Guarnieri, De Freitas, Bianchi Lopes, de Mello Monteiro, 2018), (Gumaa, Rehan Youssef, 2019), (Amorim, Leite, Brizola, Yonamine, 2019).
With Virtual Reality Therapy continuing to grow in the health industry, more and more studies are coming out with positive findings, reaffirming its benefits in this field.
Book your session with In Step Physical Therapy to see if Virtual Reality Therapy is right for you!
Virtual Reality Therapy makes recovery more engaging and fun, which helps clients stay motivated and more likely to continue with their recovery exercises. The immersive and stimulating environments can also “distract” from the pain, making movement easier for orthopedic patients.
We use the MetaQuest 3 VR headset along with two hand controllers to provide an immersive and interactive treatment experience.
Yes, Virtual Reality Therapy can be tailored for pediatric patients, making rehabilitation fun and engaging for children while addressing their specific therapeutic needs.
Augmented reality (AR) physiotherapy involves overlaying digital information and virtual elements onto the real world, enhancing your perception and interaction with your physical environment. This contrasts with virtual reality (VR) physiotherapy, which immerses you in a completely virtual environment. At InStep, we use both AR and VR technologies to create engaging and effective rehabilitation exercises. Our AR physiotherapy techniques allow you to interact with digital prompts and guidance while performing real-world movements, providing immediate feedback and enhancing the rehabilitation process.
10667 113 St NW, Edmonton,
AB T5H 3H6
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat: 8.30 am – 4 pm
