Allied Pain & Spine Institute, led by Dr. James Petros, is now offering virtual reality services in its San Jose clinic to address chronic pain conditions, including low back pain, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and phantom limb pain.

The Virtual Embodiment Training (VET) services from software company, Karuna Labs, are immersive virtual reality programs that retrain the brain of patients with chronic pain.

Dr. James Petros, medical director of Allied Pain & Spine Institute, is pleased to offer virtual reality services for chronic pain sufferers at his clinic in San Jose.

The Virtual Embodiment Training (VET)services are computer-generated modules developed by Karuna Labs and include a multi-modal approach to pain management and rehabilitation. The aim of virtual embodiment and motor imagery is to make use of the brain’s neuroplasticity in order to help patients retrain their brains.

Over a period of 4 to 6 weeks, the modules incorporate real-time motion and tracking to monitor the brain’s responses to pain. Upon putting on the virtual reality headset, a patient is prompted to move the non-painful side of the body. The virtual reality creates the illusion that movement is occurring on the painful side.

The patient might also be asked to play a game that mimics daily activities. Meanwhile, the online analytics platform measures pain-free range of motion, fear and avoidant behavior, and visual analog pain scores.

“In keeping with the integrated approach of Allied Pain & Spine Institute, I’m incredibly pleased to offer virtual reality services to help our patients move beyond the boundaries of their pain, and live a more fulfilled life,” says Dr. James Petros, medical director of Allied Pain & Spine Institute.

In regards to specific principles of virtual embodiment, Karuna Labs has developed modules for upper limb, lower limb, cervical and lumbar spine, along with additional VET for pain in the arms, shoulders, legs, back and neck. Additional conditions that can benefit from VET are carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and phantom limb pain. The evidence-based technology, backed by over two decades of research, is non-invasive and drug-free.

More About Dr. James Petros, medical director of Allied Pain & Spine Institute:

Dr. James Petros is the founder of Allied Pain & Spine Institute, sub-specializing in pain management and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With his diverse professional and personal backgrounds, Dr. Petros has transcended the science of pain medicine and captured the art of his practice.

His integrated approach and balanced understanding of injury and illnesses are testaments to his unique style. Dr. Petros is an accomplished clinician, researcher, author and speaker in the areas of injury and functional rehabilitation. He also works with Boston Scientific in the area of pain management.

Dr. Petros reached the culmination of his medical education and training at Stanford University Medical Center, has received numerous honors and awards along his extensive journey.

Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Petros has gained national and international recognition from America’s Top Physicians and Leading Physicians of the World for his work in pain care and rehabilitation.

To learn more about the Virtual Embodiment Training (VET) now offered at Allied Pain & Spine’s San Jose clinic, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Petros, please visit http://www.myalliedpain.com or call (408) 528-8833.