Virtual Reality and Applications in The Rehabilitation of Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review

Background: Shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation, while effective, requires considerable time, effort, and resources. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a novel tool, offering immersive, engaging, and interactive rehabilitation experiences that can improve motivation and outcomes. Objective: This review explores the effectiveness, benefits, challenges, and future potential of VR-based rehabilitation in treating shoulder MSDs. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by searching Google Scholar, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Scopus. MeSH terms such as “Virtual Reality,” “Shoulder Rehabilitation,” and “Musculoskeletal Disorders” were used. Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating VR’s impact on shoulder MSDs through experimental designs, case studies, or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies involving non-shoulder conditions or neurological disorders were excluded. Results: Studies demonstrated that VR-based rehabilitation improved range of motion (ROM), pain reduction, and patient engagement. Gamification elements boosted motivation and adherence compared to traditional therapies. Combining VR with conventional approaches resulted in faster recovery, especially in conditions like frozen shoulder and subacromial impingement. Conclusion: VR offers promising benefits in managing shoulder MSDs by enhancing patient engagement and recovery. While preliminary evidence supports its use as a complementary tool to traditional therapy, further research is needed to assess its cost-effectiveness, long-term viability, and integration into clinical practice.