Michael Waite

Brain Shaman

Michael Waite

  • Josh Sackman: VR Pain Relief — Using Virtual Reality to Reduce & Manage Chronic Pain | Episode 71

Josh Sackman: VR Pain Relief — Using Virtual Reality to Reduce & Manage Chronic Pain | Episode 71

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Discover how VR can help manage chronic pain through innovative techniques and holistic approaches. Featuring Josh Sackman from AppliedVR.
56 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Innovative
Supportive
Engaging

About this podcast

Brain Shaman
Author:
Michael Waite
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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94 (View all)
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Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in Pain Management

Episode Overview

  • VR can address both the sensory and emotional aspects of pain.
  • Incorporating breathing techniques like box breathing and Wim Hof into VR experiences.
  • VR offers a holistic approach by integrating mindfulness and social connection.
  • Patient stories highlight the transformative power of VR in managing chronic pain.
  • VR serves as an adjunctive therapy, complementing traditional treatments.
Pain is both a sensory and an emotional experience.
Imagine a world where chronic pain is managed through virtual reality (VR). In this episode of Brain Shaman, Michael Waite sits down with Josh Sackman, co-founder and president of AppliedVR, to explore how VR can be a game-changer in pain management. Josh shares his journey from discovering VR's potential to developing evidence-based tools that help people cope with pain.
The conversation kicks off with an overview of the bio-psycho-social dimensions of pain and transitions into how VR can address these aspects holistically. Josh explains that pain is not just a physical sensation but also an emotional experience. Traditional methods often focus on the physical aspect, but VR offers a comprehensive approach by integrating mindfulness, breathwork, and social connection.
One standout moment is when Josh recounts the story of Bob Jester, a patient who found significant relief through VR after suffering multiple fractures. This anecdote underscores the transformative power of VR in providing not just distraction but meaningful engagement. The episode also delves into various breathing techniques like box breathing and the Wim Hof method, which can be incorporated into VR experiences for added benefit.
Josh emphasises that while VR might not eliminate pain entirely, it equips users with skills to manage their condition better. From creating positive feedback loops with visual metaphors to fostering social connections in virtual environments, the discussion covers a range of innovative approaches. By the end of the episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how VR can be an adjunctive therapy, complementing traditional treatments.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or just curious about cutting-edge technology in healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. So, why not dive in and see how VR could make a difference in your life?