Physical therapy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of video games. However, as video games have evolved from dots on a screen to virtual reality environments that physically engage the player, physical therapy has helped gamers rehabilitate their gaming injuries. The relatively recent introduction of physically active video games can also have a positive effect on rehabilitating your physical health.
Gaming Injuries + How Physical Therapy Can Help
You may be used to stationary gaming, which is when the player stays in one place and uses a controller or keyboard and mouse with their hands to interact with a video game. Long, extended periods of stationary gaming without adequate rest or proper body positioning can lead to numerous hand injuries and wrist pain after playing video games.
At the turn of the century, active video gaming started to emerge. Motion-sensing technology allowed console makers such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft to develop active-motion controllers and monitoring systems. While these games relieve your thumbs, they also open up the possibility of injury that happens every day with sports and everyday activities.
Injuries From Stationary Video Gaming
At PRO~PT, we have treated many patients who have hand injuries, whether they develop from video gaming, extended computer and office work, or other sources. Many of these injuries result in issues such as neck pain from playing video games,
Here is a list of injuries sustained from stationary, or non-active, gaming:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – This happens when repetitive and persistent thumb and finger movements put pressure on the nerve at the base of the palm, causing pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness that sometimes radiates into the arms. Carpal tunnel from gaming is a common injury.
- Tennis Elbow – This happens when your arm and forearm muscles are overused in repetitive movements possibly from gripping a controller, pressuring your arms while gaming, poor hand positioning while using a keyboard or controller buttons, and other movements that cause irregular strain on your arms. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and weakness.Physical therapy will retrain you to use your muscles correctly, while also building strength and mobility.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Gamer’s Thumb) – Also known as De Quervain’s Syndrome, “Gamer’s Thumb,” or “Gamer’s Wrist,” repetitive thumb movements can lead to pain and discomfort in the wrist, near the thumb, extending into the forearm.
Injuries From Active Video Gaming
Active video games have become mainstream in the past 20 years, ranging from Wii Fit in the 2000s to the full-immersion virtual reality headsets and haptic devices being developed today. They open up our lives to whole other realities. However, they can also lead to many injuries and issues that people obtain through real, normal, and active activities. This includes:
As virtual reality and augmented reality technology develops, there is also a chance of injuries developing as a result of active video gaming accidents, such as falls that could lead to concussions.
Preventing + Treating Stationary, Active Gaming Injuries
Physical therapy doesn’t only help you recover from gaming injuries, our highly trained and qualified physical therapists at PRO~PT will work with you to develop better gaming habits. Better posture, more ergonomic gaming equipment, and exercises that can help improve gaming performance will help reduce the risk of injury.
Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today. In the meantime, here are a few recommendations to prevent injury and reduce pain caused by stationary video gaming or active video gaming.
- Configure your gaming setup and environment with ergonomic and well-positioned equipment. Check out this guide to PC gaming ergonomics and this guide on gaming posture.
- Develop a set of exercises and stretches that you can do before, after, or on breaks from gaming to relieve the concentrated stress and strain you put on your muscles during gaming.
- Take frequent breaks while gaming. Consider following the 52/17 Rule—a scientifically researched formula that claims taking a 17-minute break every 52 minutes of highly focused and concentrated work is the optimal break time. Doing this can give the muscles you use for gaming a proper rest. These breaks can also give your mind some rest, allowing you to mentally continue and avoid burnout.
- Don’t play through pain. If you’re experiencing pain, your body is most likely trying to tell you that you’ve passed the threshold of repetitive movements that your muscles should sustain while gaming. Take a break. If the pain persists, schedule an appointment with your local physical therapist.
View the following VR safety video from Oculus, the maker of one of the most popular VR consoles, for things to consider while gaming in virtual reality.
How Video Games Can Aid Physical Therapy in Recovery + Rehabilitation
Studies show that active video games can have a positive impact on injury recovery and rehabilitation.
A 2013 study found that the use of the Nintendo Wii “led to significantly improved motor function” in stroke patients within six months of their stroke. Similar results were found in patients with chronic conditions.
The therapeutic benefits of active video games were also seen using other console devices, such as the XBOX 360 Kinect device. Specifically, games featuring active and passive exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and dance improved balance, according to another 2014 study.
It’s not just the activity that can help with recovery, but the environment a player is put in can provide a more calming setting that can aid in the exercise and healing process.
Virtual Reality Fitness Video Games
A whole new industry of fitness-focused video games has been developed as a result of motion sensing and virtual reality technology. Many of the latest fitness video games in 2022 are on virtual reality platforms that come with headsets.
Here are some of the high-end consoles that employ fitness video games that can improve your recovery from injury, or simply increase your strength, mobility, and range of motion. These headsets range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000.
- Meta Quest
- Sony PlayStation VR
- Valve Index VR
- HTC Vive Pro
- HP Reverb
You can also find mid- to low-end headsets that are good VR options for fitness games, such as the Samsung Gear VR. While the experience isn’t as immersive, they still allow you to play active video games and fitness video games to help you recover from physical issues you may have.
List of Virtual Reality Fitness Games in 2022
What fitness games are available depends on your device. Here is a list of virtual reality fitness games. Some games may also require additional fitness equipment.
- Holofit
- Viro Move
- Synth Riders
- Supernatural
- Beat Saber
- FitXR
- VZfit
Learn More About the Healing Process at PRO~PT
Request an appointment today and our experienced PRO~PT physical therapists will evaluate and guide you through your options, advise on whether active video games can help with treatment, and put you on the path to recovery.
