In April 2023, Emily Dorsheimer received severe burns from a house fire in Coatesville. Recovery was so torturous that her family was not sure she would make it, but then virtual reality came into the scene, writes Stephanie Stahl for CBS News Philadelphia.

Dorsheimer was unable to stand on her own, could not walk, and could barely speak. After being in a medically induced coma and undergoing months of rehabilitation, she has been able to progress slowly.

Her path to recovery took place at AristaCare in Plymouth Meeting, where her care team utilized a VR system called Real to help her.

Sensors are placed at her chest, waist, hands, and knees to track her physical movements as she relearned how to do real-life situations like dressing and bathing, as well as play fun games. These games help to work on balance and regain strength and movement.

“I came a long way in a short amount of time,” Dorsheimer said.

Read more about how virtual reality is helping patients like Emily Dorsheimer at CBS News Philadelphia.

_____