Patients in NHS Fife are some of the first in Scotland to try virtual reality (VR) technology as a therapeutic tool to support their chronic pain management.

Chronic pain affects up to a third of adults in Scotland and the medicines to treat it can come with drowsiness, constipation and nausea as well as longer-term risks.

NHS Fife is leading Scotland in non-pharmaceutical treatment, introducing VR to its pain management pathway to help improve patients’ mobility and distract from pain.

The technology uses a headset and hand controls to create immersive, simulated environments where patients can try a variety of virtual exercises from mindfulness and relaxation to golf and fishing simulations.

After trialling the VR technology over several months with a small group of patients, it is now being rolled out more widely.

Laura O’Brien is a specialist physiotherapist based at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and led the initial trial of VR Technology in Fife said:

“There is growing research backing up the use of VR as a therapeutic tool which helps in the effective management of chronic pain, and improves mobility, confidence and the impact of pain on function.

“We want to offer patients a wide range of tools to help them develop skills to manage their pain most effectively.

“While VR may not be suitable for everyone, there are many patients who find it offers considerable therapeutic benefits, helping to reduce their pain and offers an improved quality of life.”

Patients using VR in a trial last year reported reduced pain levels, improved mood and better general wellbeing.

The NHS Fife pain management team also found that VR helped promote physical activity in a safe and controlled environment.

One patient in West Fife, John Buchanan, who has used the VR system for several months said:

“This has brought the fun back to physio work. You've got the visuals so it's great to see your progress - and when you see that progress it gives you a bit of hope. Hope that you can go and complete fun activities when you thought they might have gone for the rest of your days.

“What we're doing here is great and it certainly works for me. It helps me forget about the pain and allows me to enjoy activities I thought I'd never be able to do again.”

The immersive nature of VR helps to shift focus away from pain, providing a form of escapism that can be both relaxing and therapeutic.

By including movement-based applications within the VR system, patients are also encouraged to participate in physical activity – crucial for maintaining mobility and reducing the impact of chronic pain.

The VR programme in NHS Fife is available to patients of the Pain Management Service and is led by specialist physiotherapists who ensure that each experience is tailored to individual needs and interests.

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