The number of physical therapists using VR glasses to treat chronic pain has increased 93 percent within a year. The glasses can dramatically reduce the number of "revolving door patients" who keep finding their way to physical therapists.
In September 2022, there were still 73 physical therapy practices using virtual reality. Over a year later, there are suddenly 141, according to figures from Reducept. According to co-founder Louis Zantema, this is proof of the growing need to work with innovative and alternative solutions. "Healthcare is struggling with a pressing shortage of staff. In the Netherlands we have three million people with chronic pain. Aging doesn't make the problem any less. We are trying to come up with a solution for that together with the physical therapists."
Chronic pain
Chronic pain currently puts tremendous pressure on those working in healthcare. Zantema: "Chronic pain is a rather misunderstood phenomenon that frustrates patients and also practitioners. After all, with chronic pain there is no longer tissue damage, but pain sensation."
VR game
Those who put on the glasses can virtually fight their pain in the nervous system by shooting away pain points, according to Zantema. "Thus, by providing patients with pain therapy in the form of VR gaming, healthcare providers can potentially improve the quality of care without requiring additional staff. And when patients understand what is happening in their bodies, they are also more motivated to engage in treatment, which can prevent pain conditions from becoming even more chronic."
