Karuna Labs Inc. has developed the Karuna Virtual Embodiment Training™ (KVET™) program to address the need for alternative, non-invasive, non-addictive methods to treat chronic pain. KVET™ uses a combination of virtual environments and avatars that provide visual feedback during chronic pain functional rehabilitation. Our key innovation is the application of virtual re​​ality (VR) to improve patients’ willingness and ability to perform activities of daily living.

Every kit includes a state-of-the-art wireless virtual reality (VR) headset pre-loaded with our proprietary software and a patient workbook. VR headsets must be returned at the end of the 12-week program. The patient workbook is yours to keep.

On average, patients spend a total of 3 hours per week on KVET during the 12 week program. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Virtual Coaching Sessions: One (1) per week for 60 minutes

• Workbook Lessons: One (1) per week for 30 minutes

• Independent Activity Sessions: Minimum three (3) per week for 20-30 minutes each

You’ll work directly with your coach to establish a schedule that works for you and all sessions are completed from the comfort of your own home.

Independent activity sessions using the KVET™ program last between 20 to 30 minutes each, depending on your specific needs. While daily usage is standard, our coaches typically recommend practicing a minimum of three (3) sessions per week.

We currently offer 29 activities and we are developing new exercises all the time.

• 15 Movement Activities

• 14 Coaching Practices

Examples of virtual reality exercises that may be included in your tailored program based on your specific chronic pain condition or needs:

• Gardening - squatting/bending to pick flowers

• Playing Fetch - squatting/bending to pick up a ball and throw it to a dog

• Unloading the Dishwasher - squatting/bending and using arms/shoulders to grab dishes from the dishwasher and put them into cabinets above

• Vacuuming - squatting/bending, using arms, and twisting at varying angles to vacuum up stardust from the floor

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation - focusing on mindfully relaxing muscles throughout your body

• Breathing and Meditation Exercises - using breath work and meditation practices to relax

Note that this is not a comprehensive list. KVET™ activities will be recommended by your coach based on your specific condition and treatment needs.

The patient workbook is yours to keep, but the VR Headset must be returned after program completion. You’ll receive a prepaid label at the end of the program to return the headset to us.

No. At this time we do not allow patients to use their own virtual reality headsets. Our proprietary KVET™ software is only available pre-loaded on our rental headsets, which are already included in the total program cost.

No, we cannot guarantee a specific coach. All of our coaches are closely vetted and highly qualified in pain education and functional rehabilitation for neuroplastic pain conditions.

There are a number of factors that determine patient eligibility for the Karuna Virtual Embodiment Training program. Please contact us to determine eligibility.

Karuna Virtual Embodiment Training (KVET)™ uses the protocol for the Pain Reprocessing Therapy method. The pain reprocessing therapy data from the Boulder Back study includes:

A randomized controlled study at the University of Colorado Boulder validated Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) as the most effective current treatment for chronic pain. In the study, there were 100 chronic back pain patients. Half of them received PRT twice a week for four weeks, and half of them received treatment as usual. In the PRT group, 98% of patients improved and 66% of patients were pain-free or nearly pain-free at the end of treatment. These outcomes were largely maintained one year later.

Read more at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2784694

Our program is safe, effective, and entirely drug-free, with no risk of drug interactions and no need for surgical intervention. We leverage proven, evidence-based neuroplastic pain treatment techniques and functional rehabilitation methods to develop our program and technology.