The Role of Virtual Reality in Pain Management and Rehabilitation                                        

Mwende Muthoni D.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is developing as a valuable tool in healthcare, notably for pain treatment and rehabilitation. VR provides realistic, interactive experiences that assist patients shift their focus away from pain, decrease anxiety, and promote speedier recovery. This research investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) in acute and chronic pain management, as well as its potential to improve rehabilitation via motor function recovery and desensitisation strategies. VR is successful in promoting mindfulness, increasing patient motivation, and treating postoperative pain, all while providing a non-invasive and cost-efficient alternative to conventional therapy. The future of VR in healthcare seems promising, thanks to continued technological developments, but difficulties such as patient preparedness and accessibility remain.

Keywords: Virtual reality, pain management, rehabilitation, non-invasive therapy, motor function recovery.

CITATION: Mwende Muthoni D. The Role of Virtual Reality in Pain Management and Rehabilitation. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science, 2024 3(3):40-44.