Virtual Reality Therapy for Acute/Procedural Pain

Abstract

Acute and procedural pain remain difficult for providers to treat. Like other complementary and alternative therapies, immersive virtual reality (VR) therapy has shown promising results. Although VR therapy for acute pain has been investigated since the 2000s, it is still in its infancy. Only recently have falling prices and increased accessibility made this technology available outside of academic institutions. This chapter explores the development, evidence, necessary requirements, and future directions of VR therapy, while addressing challenges faced when attempting to use VR therapy for acute and procedural pain.