Stephan Keller suffered a stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body. His doctor told him he needed physical therapy, but Stephan wanted to heal faster so he could return to work to support his family. He opted to try virtual reality therapy instead. After just a few treatments, Stephan started regaining movement in his fingers and limbs. Within a few months of regular virtual reality sessions, he had fully recovered the use of his right side and was able to return to work. Virtual reality proved much more effective for Stephan than traditional physical therapy would have been.

1. The medical side of virtual reality By Christina Mueller

2. The stroke One day a successful business man named Stephan Keller suffered from a stroke due to being exposed too much stress in his business. OH! I think I am having a stroke Oh dear ! Now I am dead!

3. The issue He had to go back to work almost immediately due to having to feed his family and provide them. But doctor I have to go back to work! I am afraid you are going to have to say here1

4. The after effects of a stroke This was a problem because he wasn’t able to move his limbs on his right side. This isn't working I need to heal FASTER!!

5. Two options When the doctor presented his options, which were either having physical therapy or the new technique called virtual reality. He opted for virtual reality because the recovery was known to be faster and more effective. The faster and better method I recommend virtual reality !!!

6. The beginning of the treatment After the first treatment he wasn’t convinced that this method would be effective for him. Yet he continued… I don’t think this is working !!!

7. First signs of success After a week he was able to feel and the move his phalanges I can move my phalanges yipeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. More and more improvement After three more treatments he was able to move his limbs to grab things and hold things. This normally takes months in regular physical therapy. Check out how my phalanges can move!!! I heart virtual reality!!!

9. Virtual reality- independence guaranteed The advantages were that he could do the virtual reality independently allowing him to do it more often and therefore heal faster. Ah who needs doctors ?? Well I don’t I can heal myself !!

10. Eleven treatments later …. He was able to put strain on his right leg and start walking again. He couldn’t put a lot of strain on it but he was able to walk again so he was happy.

11. Comparing and contrasting Whilst virtual reality and physical therapy have a common goal. The methods they use are various and have different techniques. Virtual reality brought the patient in a virtual world where they were using their limbs so that little by little they started moving their limbs the real world as well. This can end in you being able to use you limbs to their full extent. Physical therapy is more painful slower and not as effective. You need someone to help you everyday to move you limbs. Often you are able to move you legs but never the same way as before the stroke.

12. Later on… After eight months, and around twenty treatment, Stephan was able to use his limbs to the full extent he was able to return to his work. He now uses virtual reality for entertainment at home and for business at the office .