Why VR will revolutionize physical therapy

January 12, 2018 Digital Health, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Virtual Reality

As a physical therapist I’m really excited to see where virtual reality is going.

In Denmark we are seeing a dawning interest for the tech and we see more and more clinics, hospitals and rehabilitation centers adopting VR.

When teaching students about technology one of the biggest things I try to get across is that technology is here to make our jobs easier and not something to fear.

Physical therapists are naturally conservative so here’s my bit to make sure that this new technology helps us.

It’s fun and motivational.

Let’s be honest. Doing exercises is boring. Studies say that only 30% of exercises get done when people leave rehabilitation. As a physical therapist I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to see peoples rehabilitation take so much longer because they don’t do their “homework”.

Studies say that only 30% of exercises get done when people leave their rehabilitation.

I think that this is where VR has one of its biggest strengths. The ability to hide exercises in games hold huge potential. We know that games can be habit forming. So why not use games to form peoples rehabilitation habits?

Especially in the early stages of rehabilitation the amount of work you do has a big impact on the outcome of your injury or operation. I personally cant wait to see VR implemented in hospitals.

Imagine when people wake up from surgery they are treated with a plethora of games that they can play to pass the time, but that also measure pain, range of motion etc.

By Jesper Aggergaard | ARVR Journey

Image Credit: Jesper Aggergaard/ARVR Journey

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About Peter Coffaro 415 Articles

A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 20 years of progressive management success within the medical device industry. As a District Sales Manager for Stryker Orthopaedics, Peter was responsible for managing and directing a regional sales force to achieve sales and profit goals within the Rocky Mountain region. Previously, he was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Amp Orthopedics. In this role, Peter was responsible for planning, developing, and leading all sales and marketing initiatives. Peter is a former orthopedic distributor in the Pacific Northwest. He has also worked with DePuy Orthopaedics as well as Zimmer, and held positions in sales, sales training, and sales management. Peter has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, negotiating and P&L management. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University.