Written by: Brianna Hodge

Virtual reality (VR) in healthcare has revolutionized how we approach therapy, training, and even patient interaction. Yet, despite its growing success and presence, misconceptions still hold many back from fully understanding its potential. These myths can perpetuate skepticism, delay adoption, and limit the transformative power of VR in medicine. Let’s take a deep dive into ten common myths about VR in healthcare and debunk them one by one with research-backed insights and real-life case studies.

1. VR is Too Expensive for Healthcare Facilities

The assumption that VR systems are unaffordable stems from outdated information. While VR setups were costly in the early 2000s, the technology has since become more accessible. Many healthcare providers have discovered that VR saves money over time by reducing the duration of treatment, enabling remote care, and minimizing the need for physical resources like exercise equipment or large training spaces.

For example, a study conducted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., found that implementing VR in stroke rehabilitation significantly reduced hospital stays, leading to cost savings for both the hospital and patients. Furthermore, VR companies such as Neuro Rehab VR have adopted subscription-based models, enabling clinics of all sizes to implement the technology without large upfront investments.

2. VR is Just a Fad

Like many innovations, VR was initially viewed as a fleeting trend. However, it has proven its value in healthcare by addressing critical needs. VR applications have been shown to improve patient outcomes, particularly in rehabilitation, pain management, and mental health.

A notable example is its use at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where VR is part of a pain management protocol. Patients undergoing procedures use VR to engage in calming experiences, such as walking through serene forests or swimming with dolphins. Studies show that this approach reduces pain scores by up to 24%. This kind of consistent, measurable success highlights that VR is far more than a passing trend.

3. VR is Only for Gaming or Entertainment

Imagine being able to sit beside your loved one as they use VR, watching the same simulations and learning alongside them. For example, VR might show how balance exercises improve stability or how a specific therapy targets damaged nerves. When you both see the purpose behind the therapy, it becomes easier to stay hopeful and committed to the process.

For patients, this knowledge is empowering. Rehabilitation can sometimes feel like something that’s happening to you rather than something you control. VR changes that by making you an active participant. It shows you that your effort is paying off, even if progress feels slow. That sense of control and understanding can make all the difference in staying motivated.

4. VR Therapy is Ineffective Compared to Traditional Methods

Skeptics argue that VR therapy is a poor substitute for traditional rehabilitation methods, but research consistently disproves this. VR isn’t meant to replace traditional approaches; it enhances them. For instance, VR enables therapists to create controlled, repeatable scenarios for patients, which is particularly useful in treating conditions like post-stroke paralysis.

A study published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair showed that stroke patients using VR alongside traditional therapy achieved greater improvements in arm and hand function than those receiving standard therapy alone. This hybrid model of care demonstrates the synergy between VR and conventional rehabilitation.

5. Patients Won’t Take VR Therapy Seriously

Some healthcare professionals worry that patients might dismiss VR therapy as a novelty. However, studies have found the opposite to be true. VR often increases patient engagement by making therapy enjoyable and interactive, which leads to better adherence and outcomes.

For example, patients at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center reported higher satisfaction when participating in gamified VR therapy for balance training. The immersive nature of VR created a sense of accomplishment, motivating patients to push their limits safely.

6. VR Causes Motion Sickness in Most People

Motion sickness is often cited as a barrier to VR adoption, but technological advancements have minimized this issue. High refresh rates and reduced latency in modern headsets significantly lower the likelihood of discomfort.

Healthcare providers also customize VR experiences to suit individual needs. For instance, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute uses stationary VR scenarios, such as guided relaxation or seated exercises, to ensure that patients with sensitivity can still benefit.

7. Healthcare Staff Can’t Learn to Use VR Systems

A common misconception is that VR systems are too complex for healthcare providers to learn, deterring some from considering this innovative technology. However, modern VR solutions are designed with simplicity in mind, featuring intuitive user interfaces and providing comprehensive training programs that make the adoption process smooth and straightforward.

For example, at St. George’s University Hospital in London, therapists were able to learn VR technology for pediatric rehabilitation in just a few hours. Neuro Rehab VR’s solutions take this a step further, with a setup time of under 30 seconds and a user training process that takes just 30 minutes. This drastically reduces the learning curve, enabling therapists to quickly become proficient in creating individualized therapy plans without requiring extensive technical expertise. By streamlining the process, Neuro Rehab VR empowers healthcare professionals to integrate cutting-edge technology into their practice efficiently and confidently.

8. VR is Only Suitable for Younger Patients

It’s easy to assume that older adults might struggle with VR, but research shows otherwise. In fact, older patients often find VR more engaging than traditional therapies.

A 2020 study at the University of Queensland demonstrated that VR-based exercises improved balance and reduced fall risks in elderly patients. Participants reported feeling more motivated to complete their therapy because VR made the experience enjoyable

9. VR is a Privacy Risk in Healthcare

Patient data security is critical, and healthcare-focused VR systems adhere to stringent privacy regulations like HIPAA. Reputable platforms use encryption and secure storage to protect sensitive information.

One example is Neuro Rehab VR, which integrates HIPAA-compliant data handling while allowing therapists to track patient progress remotely. Their secure design has made VR an integral part of telemedicine programs in hospitals across the U.S.

10. VR Therapy is Too Complex for Small Clinics

Smaller healthcare facilities often assume that VR is out of their reach, but compact and affordable VR setups are specifically designed for these environments.

At the Colorado Rehabilitation Institute, a small clinic incorporated portable VR systems for stroke rehabilitation. Patients reported improved motor function, and therapists praised the system’s easy setup and scalability.

Conclusion

Virtual reality is revolutionizing healthcare, offering innovative solutions for rehabilitation, pain management, training, and more. Yet, myths and misconceptions often create unnecessary hesitation, slowing down its adoption. By addressing concerns such as cost, complexity, motion sickness, and skepticism about effectiveness, VR can fully realize its potential as a powerful tool to enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and make therapy more engaging.

This is just the beginning of the conversation. In future posts, we’ll take a closer look at some of the challenges and concerns we’ve touched on, diving deeper into topics like ensuring data privacy in VR applications, mitigating motion sickness with advanced technology, and sharing real-world success stories from clinics and patients. We’ll also explore how Neuro Rehab VR has innovated to resolve these challenges and make VR accessible for clinics of all sizes.

Keep watch for our next blog as we continue to uncover the transformative potential of VR in healthcare, and how it’s reshaping the future of patient care, one myth at a time.