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Virtual Reality Technology And Chronic Pain

Providing evidence-based virtual reality services, Karuna Laboratories has developed a multi-modal approach to pain management and rehabilitation through a patented Virtual Embodiment Training (VET) program. Making use of the concept of neuroplasticity, the premise of VET is that the brain’s activity can change, given repetitive ways of thinking and behaving. As such, an individual’s pain experience can be reshaped, while stress decreases and the focus shifts to what is not hurting.

Dr. James Petros is pleased to offer the revolutionary VET program at Allied Pain & Spine Institute in San Jose. Given his integrated approach to injury and illness, Dr. Petros continues to transcend the sciences of pain through helping chronic pain sufferers move past non-beneficial adaptations, including the perception of persistent pain.

With the right process and module, chronic pain patients can effectively learn guided mindfulness, coping skills, virtual reality imagery exercises and more—all in an effort to retrain their brain.

Virtual Embodiment Training (VET) Regimen

With real-time motion and tracking to monitor the brain’s responses to pain, the Virtual Embodiment Training (VET) regimen consists of ten 30-minute sessions provided for 6-12 weeks, respectively. The sequence begins when the patient puts on the virtual reality goggles. Next, the patient is instructed to move a non-injured area of his body. Virtual reality creates the illusion that he is moving the weak or injured area. In turn, the patient might be prompted to participate in computer-generated games that mimic daily activities and movements.

During the session, the VET analytics platform measures pain-free range of motion, fear and avoidant behavior, and visual analogue pain scores—in real time. Thus, data is easily tracked. As specific modules are introduced, patients are exposed to pain neuroscience, psychology, spatial awareness, movement distortions mirroring limbs, bodily representations and corrective exercises that extend their pain-free range of motion. The latter portion utilizes biofeedback to help patients acquire control of their thinking and behavior.

Encompassing different principles of virtual embodiment, there are modules for upper limb, lower limb, cervical and lumbar spine, as well as for pain in the arms, shoulders, legs, back and neck. Chronic pain patients with carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and phantom limb pain are believed to benefit from a VET regimen. Backed by over two decades of research, the revolutionary technology is non-invasive and drug-free.

At Allied Pain & Spine Institute in San Jose, Dr. Petros invites chronic pain sufferers to ask about VET, and how they can retrain their brain safely and effectively. Contact our office today!

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Our Patient Reviews

Allied Pain & Spine Institute

5.0
Michelle T.

I fly in to see Dr. Petros from Southern California.  I wouldn't do so if he wasn't the best there is.  He is compassionate and has always treated me kindly. I can tell he is sincere in the way he talks to me and is diligently looking for solutions that work best with me and my chronic pain needs.  Very out of the box approach, which I appreciate these days!  I would truly recommend Dr. Petros to anyone looking for a Dr. that not only cares about you as a patient but has the confidence and skill set to get results! His office staff is friendly and caring too.  Allied Pain and Spine Institute is the Gold Standard in pain care in my humble opinion!! When I find a doctor that understands the issue and always goes above and beyond to help me, I do what I can to continue seeing them. I am so glad I found this office!!

Louise W.

Dr Petros is amazing!  When he uses a needle his aim is "right on".  He is also very personable, an altogether great guy.  I always find my visits to him to be very informative. I have had both sides of my degenerated back injected (epidural shots) with complete success.  He allows me to have no sedative, which is cool because his jokes and stories in the operating room are really good.  He greatly enjoys his work, and enjoys the difficult challenges of getting a needle into the right place in my back.  My arthritic knee is perhaps more straight-forward, but other doctors have failed to give me pain relief.  Dr Petros studies the structure with ultrasound before injecting it.  The result - instant relief! On my recent visit for a broken back (ski accident) the doctor and staff were very accommodating to help me make a dinner engagement shortly after my appointment.  This is definitely a five-star operation!

Ellie O.

Wow, wonderful doctor!!! I avoid all the doctors like the plague...seriously it makes my blood pressure go up when I have to go but I chose Dr. Vaidya. My friend referred him to me, he's simply the best... TOP NOTCH!!! He turned out to be a breath of fresh air. Dr. Vaidya really stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I usually don't write reviews but he's so outstanding that I really wanted to do it for him. He's the most honest and caring doctor I have met.  He listens and gives you full attention and committed to find the best individual solution for you. He always goes out of his way to get you the most appropriate treatment and he will make it happen. He's very knowledgeable in his field. He's very professional, friendly, personable and definitely easy to talk to. His integrity is very valuable. He's one of the sharpest and most driven individuals you will ever meet.

Keith M.

Simply the best doctors and staff in the area. I've fought back and neck pain for over 30 years, and Dr. Petros and his team have kept me from the operating table and able to enjoy my life. I've had injections, acupuncture, as well as back braces. He listens to my concerns, cares very deeply for my pain and discomfort, and has successfully treated everything from stenosis, pinched nerves, herniated disks, and even helped me with the symptoms from shingles and lung disease. I couldn't be happier with the care he has given me over the years.

Kaitlin Z.

Dr. Vaidya has changed my life. I am in my late 20s with chronic pain and nothing had worked until I came here. All services here are wonderful and the staff is absolutely amazing. I can't recommend enough!!

Tracy B.

I have been a patient of Dr. Vaidya for a few years after not getting what I needed from other spine and pain doctors. I was looking for a doctor who would think outside the box and come up with some other ways to treat my growing amount of pain. Between Dr. Petros and Dr. Vaidya, they have brought me to a place where my pain is better managed. And let's just talk about bedside manners! I have never met doctors in the past 23 years of this back journey of mine that has as amazing bedside manners as these guys. I have cried and laughed with the team at Allied Spine. The way that I am always greeted and promptly cared for is bar none! The front office staff, and especially Nas, has been a God sent. I would never go anywhere else.

Justin P.

I am a new patient of DR Petros and my experience was great for my first two visits so far. He really takes time to listen to your issues and provides thorough answers and treatment options. The front desk staff are all very nice and respond in a timely manner to requests. Highly recommended all around!

Lisa A.

I have seen Dr. Vaidya for about 2 years. He is an amazing doctor.the attention and care you receive is well over 5 stars. He knows who I am by my face, he knows my health history with out looking in my chart, he remembers conversations we have had at previous appointments. He truly cares for his patients. I will be moving our of state, and will travel back here each month to see doctor Vaidya. I lost my insurance over a year ago and pay out of pocket to see the doctor, it is worth every penny to be treated with respect, as a person and with care. I love all the staff and feel like I am visiting family when I come in for my appointments.

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