North County Water and Sports - September 2024

GET FIT WITH A TWIST How Virtual Reality Is Revolutionizing Physical Therapy

Virtual reality (VR) is taking physical therapy into the future, transforming routine sessions into thrilling games that make you forget you’re even in rehab! Imagine strapping on a VR headset and stepping into a virtual world where your physical therapy exercises become part of an exciting game or a serene journey. This innovative approach spices up the traditional recovery strategies and packs a punch with serious health benefits. Welcome to the World of VR Physical Therapy VR in physical therapy isn’t just about having fun — it’s a full-blown, high-tech way to get better faster. VR helps patients improve balance, strength, and coordination by simulating real-world activities and environments. It’s like having a gym and a personal therapist rolled into one immersive experience.

thinking, giving your brain a good workout along with your body. It’s like a double whammy of wellness!

• Continuously Adaptive Treatment: VR algorithms can detect your progress and adjust difficulty levels. With the help of high-tech VR physical therapy, your treatment will continue to challenge you and keep your therapist informed of your progress! Precautions to Keep in Mind While VR therapy sounds like a blast, it’s not for everyone. VR could trigger some conditions, like seizures, so it’s essential to talk with your doctor first. Safety first, fun second! How to Bring VR Into Your Recovery Are you curious about adding a little virtual reality to your recovery routine? Talk to your physical therapist about integrating VR into your sessions. They can determine if VR therapy is a good fit for you and help set up a program that feels more like play than work.

The Benefits of Going Virtual • Motivation: Let’s be honest: Physical therapy exercises can feel

repetitive. VR brings excitement to your home sessions, turning those necessary repetitions into a game you want to play. Who knew getting better could be so much fun?

Whether rehabbing at home or in a clinic, embracing VR could revolutionize how you view physical therapy. From battling virtual foes to strolling through peaceful landscapes, VR therapy is here

Custom Workouts: VR allows your therapist to tailor exercises specifically for you.

Want to work on your balance? How about doing it on a virtual tightrope (safely, of course)? The possibilities are virtually endless! Brain Booster: It’s not just your muscles that get a workout. VR sessions require focus and quick

to help you heal in the most entertaining way possible. So, why not strap on a headset and turn your next physical therapy session into an adventure?

“I came to NCWSTC to strengthen my knee, which has a 56-year- old reconstruction. In addition, I had a forced five weeks of zero activity following minor back surgery. All my muscles had atrophied and needed some rebuilding. Every week, I did all my exercises at home and two days at the gym. My strength came back, and my balance became better than ever. All this work helped me get back to golfing 2x a week, and next week, I am going back to Pickleball. Over my 24 years in San Diego, I have been to 3-4 other physical therapy locations; NCWSTC is the best of all. Every therapist I worked with was very professional and excellent.” —Stuart Gross PATIENT SUCCESS STORY HOW PT HELPED STUART GET BACK TO GOLF AND PICKLEBALL!

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