Virtual reality is not just for gamers. A medical approach called extended reality uses technologies that merge physical and digital experiences to create immersive environments for rehabilitation therapy. You start by donning a headset, which projects 3D images near your eyes. Since these images completely fill your line of vision, unlike a computer screen, they make you feel as if you are inside the digital environment. This is how gamers get the sense that they are sky diving or at the bottom of the ocean. In this environment, you can act and react to virtual objects.

Extended reality encompasses both virtual and augmented reality. Virtual reality puts you in an entirely digital environment. Augmented reality adds digital elements to the existing “real” world. Extended reality provides intensive therapy, letting you perform a high number of repetitive movements that might be difficult in the real world. Perhaps equally important, these virtual tools let you have fun while you do therapy.