Purpose
AppliedVR has created the first FDA-authorized virtual reality therapeutic for chronic pain management. Their flagship product, RelieVRx, delivers an 8-week program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and pain education through immersive VR experiences. The platform enables patients to self-administer treatment at home, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain without medication. By making specialized pain management accessible to anyone with a VR headset, AppliedVR is empowering patients to "live life beyond chronic pain" while providing clinicians with a non-pharmacological treatment option with proven efficacy.
Where We See Impact
Clinical trials have demonstrated that AppliedVR's therapy achieves significant pain reduction that meets or exceeds the threshold for meaningful improvement. Research shows the treatment not only reduces pain intensity but also decreases pain-related stress interference by nearly 50%. The platform has been used by approximately 60,000 patients across more than 200 healthcare providers, with outcomes maintained for at least three months after completing the program. In September 2024, Highmark became the first commercial insurer to cover RelieVRx, marking a breakthrough in accessibility. This insurance coverage milestone legitimizes VR as a medically necessary treatment rather than just innovative technology, helping to drive broader XR adoption in healthcare.
Accessing This Experience
RelieVRx is available through prescription from healthcare providers, with the 8-week program consisting of 56 sessions that take 2-16 minutes each day. The therapy utilizes Pico VR headsets, which AppliedVR provides to patients who don't have their own, making the therapy accessible regardless of technical expertise. As insurance coverage expands, patient costs are decreasing, with some patients now able to access the therapy with just a standard copay. The company has partnerships with institutions like University of California San Francisco specifically focused on extending VR therapy to underserved populations, including Medicaid patients. While currently focused on chronic low back pain, AppliedVR is expanding their platform to address additional pain conditions and mental health applications. "XRHealth"