Using virtual reality to treat chronic pain: results from a community-based trial

Chronic pain affects daily life well beyond the sensation of pain itself. Sleep, mobility, work, family responsibilities and mental wellbeing can all be disrupted, while repeated appointments and medication changes may place a heavy burden on patients and carers. For many Australians, access to specialised pain services also depends on location, transport and waiting times.

Virtual reality (VR) is being studied as a non-drug treatment that can help people shift attention away from pain and practise movement in a controlled setting. A headset may deliver guided relaxation, immersive nature scenes, breathing exercises or gentle activities designed to improve confidence with movement.

A community-based trial examined whether this technology could be useful outside a hospital pain clinic. Participants used a VR program in a familiar community setting, with support from health professionals and practical guidance on using the equipment safely at home.

The results suggest that immersive therapy can reduce the impact of persistent pain for some people, particularly when it forms part of a broader care plan. The findings also show why implementation, affordability and local support matter as much as the technology itself.

What the community trial examined

The trial involved adults living with ongoing musculoskeletal or other non-cancer pain. Rather than treating VR as a replacement for clinical care, the program combined immersive sessions with education, pacing strategies, relaxation and advice about gradually returning to activities.

Participants were assessed using measures that considered pain intensity, pain interference, mood, sleep and confidence in movement. This distinction is important. A person may still experience pain while becoming better able to walk to the shops, prepare meals, work or take part in family life.

Across the trial, participants reported a meaningful reduction in how much pain disrupted daily activities. Improvements in distress and movement confidence were also observed, while adverse effects were generally mild and short-lived. Some users experienced dizziness, eye strain or discomfort when first wearing the headset, so sessions were adjusted or stopped when needed.

Why immersive therapy may help

VR can direct attention towards a structured, absorbing experience. A calming virtual environment may reduce threat and muscle tension, while guided breathing can support the nervous system’s response to stress. Interactive programs can also make gentle exercises feel less confronting than conventional rehabilitation.

The therapy may be especially useful for people who have developed fear of movement after an injury. By beginning with small, manageable tasks, VR gives users an opportunity to test movement without feeling that they are being pushed beyond their limits. Progress can then be linked to practical goals such as standing longer, gardening or returning to work.

These effects are unlikely to come from immersion alone. Coaching, reassurance and a clear explanation of chronic pain remain essential. The strongest role for VR is as an additional tool within multidisciplinary care that may include physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy and medication review.

What the results mean for Australian services

For Queensland patients, a community model could reduce the need to travel into central Brisbane for every appointment. Local health services, general practices and allied health clinics may be able to offer supervised sessions, with clinicians monitoring symptoms and helping patients connect virtual exercises to real-world goals. The Brisbane Diamantina network provides an example of the partnerships needed to move health research between universities, institutes and frontline services.

Access will look different across Australia. A participant in Brisbane may have reliable broadband and a nearby pain clinic, while someone in regional Queensland may face long distances, limited public transport or inconsistent internet access. Programs therefore need options for supported home use, loan equipment and face-to-face alternatives.

Cost is another practical issue. Consumer headsets such as the Meta Quest range are available through the Australian market, but the purchase price, cleaning requirements, software subscriptions and technical support can still be barriers. Medicare does not automatically fund every digital health intervention, and private health cover varies. These factors should be assessed before a service assumes that VR is an inexpensive solution.

Safety, inclusion and patient choice

A suitable screening process is essential. Clinicians should consider a history of motion sickness, epilepsy, visual problems, balance difficulties, cognitive impairment and conditions that may make headset use unsafe. Users need clear instructions, a safe seated or standing space and someone to contact if symptoms worsen.

The trial also reinforces the value of patient choice. Some people find virtual environments calming and motivating; others may find them isolating, confusing or uncomfortable. Trauma history, cultural preferences and previous experiences with healthcare can influence how a person responds to immersive treatment.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, co-design and cultural safety should be built into the program from the beginning. This includes involving local health workers, respecting community priorities and avoiding a one-size-fits-all digital model. The collaborative approach used in maternal health research illustrates how research quality can be strengthened when services and communities shape the work together.

Limits of the evidence

The findings are encouraging, but they do not prove that VR works for every type of chronic pain. Community trials may involve relatively small groups, short follow-up periods and participants who are already motivated to try a new treatment. Improvements may also reflect regular contact with a supportive care team.

Longer studies are needed to establish whether benefits continue after the headset is removed. Researchers should compare different VR programs, identify which patients benefit most and examine outcomes such as reduced healthcare use, work participation and medication changes. Economic evaluations will be particularly relevant to public hospitals and community services working within limited budgets.

It is also important to measure more than pain scores. Quality of life, independence, sleep, confidence and participation may better show whether an intervention is helping. Patient-reported outcomes should sit alongside clinical measures and information about access, adherence and adverse effects.

Bringing VR into routine care

A practical service model might begin with a small supervised pilot. Patients could receive an orientation, a personalised activity plan and several supported sessions before taking equipment home. Clinicians would review progress, clean and maintain devices, and provide an alternative for anyone who does not tolerate the technology.

Training is vital. Health professionals need to understand both the technical operation of a headset and the principles of pain science. They should be able to explain that VR is not a cure or a distraction intended to dismiss pain. Its purpose is to support self-management, reduce fear and improve function alongside appropriate medical care.

Implementation should be evaluated in the settings where people actually receive care, including community health centres, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, private allied health practices and regional hospitals. Translation partnerships can help turn promising trial results into programs that are safe, equitable and responsive to Australian communities.

Virtual reality is emerging as a useful addition to chronic pain management, with community-based evidence pointing to improvements in pain interference, confidence and everyday function. Health services, researchers and consumer representatives can build on these findings by testing accessible models, sharing outcomes and keeping patient goals at the centre of digital care. Explore the evidence, partnerships and research translation work supporting better health outcomes through Brisbane Diamantina Health Partners.