What You Should Know:
– The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking a major step forward in pain management by expanding its contract with AppliedVR, a provider of immersive therapeutics (ITx) using virtual reality (VR).
– This contract expansion will significantly increase access to RelieVRx®, the first and only FDA-authorized in-home VR treatment for chronic lower back pain (CLBP).
Continue Use of Virtual Reality for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic pain affects over 50% of Veterans receiving care at VA facilities, making it a critical area of focus.
VA Immersive, a division of the VA, is spearheading this initiative, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technology like VR into their healthcare system. AppliedVR and VA share a common vision to transform pain care for Veterans through access to innovative treatments like RelieVRx. RelieVRx offers a non-pharmacological, noninvasive treatment option, potentially reducing reliance on medication and its side effects.
The expanded contract will provide more Veterans with access to RelieVRx in the comfort of their own homes. The eight-week program has been shown to decrease pain intensity and improve quality of life for CLBP patients, with durable effects lasting up to 24 months.
“VA Immersive has been a trailblazer that is consistently at the forefront of health care innovation, actively fostering exploration and integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance health care delivery and services,” said Matthew Stoudt, Co-founder and CEO of AppliedVR. “VA Immersive’s mission to set national standards for leveraging VR will accelerate the adoption of immersive therapeutics across VA, enabling our wounded warriors to receive next-generation treatments like RelieVRx.”
This expanded partnership between AppliedVR and the VA has the potential to revolutionize pain management for Veterans and pave the way for wider adoption of VR-based treatments in healthcare. By offering effective, non-invasive options, VR therapy can significantly improve the lives of millions of individuals suffering from chronic pain.