This episode of Real-Life Science from Kessler Foundation highlights research on virtual reality’s role in treating chronic pain. VR is well-known for easing short-term pain during medical procedures, but experts say more work is needed to make it effective for long-term pain conditions. Lead investigator Carly L.A. Wender, PhD, outlines a roadmap for progress that focuses on multiple causes of pain, combined treatment approaches, and open sharing of research. For the full study, visit the link provided below.
READ the full study, Virtual reality in chronic pain management: how do we galvanize a stagnant field was published in Pain Management (2025), 10.1080/17581869.2025.2554561
LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Carly L.A. Wender, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender-phd
LEARN about our Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research
READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science
LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science
PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies
Production Notes
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (April 2026).
Accessibility
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
