Skip to content
Think of a chronic health condition that could have more impact on your organisation’s wellbeing than almost any other. What would that be?
Diabetes would be a good guess. So would heart disease and mental health. But no other chronic health condition impacts more lost workdays and more healthcare spend than musculoskeletal (MSK) back pain. MSK lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally and the number one reason for missing work.
At the organisational level, nearly one in four employees report experiencing lower back pain at any one time, leading to lost productivity and medical treatments. People with MSK lower back pain also have an average of five related conditions that complicate care, including chronic fatigue (41 percent of cases), depression (29 percent of cases), and obesity (8 percent of cases).
Improving musculoskeletal health with digital therapeutics
That’s the bad news. So what’s the good news? By tapping into technology already used by your employees, a solution is closer than you might think. In fact, MSK wellness using digital therapeutics offers tremendous potential for reduced healthcare spend, increased job satisfaction and better health outcomes overall.
Digital therapeutics are defined as high-quality software programmes designed to prevent, manage, or treat a medical disorder or disease. Leveraging the convenience of today’s smartphone technology, digital therapeutics take a holistic mind-body approach, combining the benefits of evidence-based therapeutic and online learning methods with high-touch, AI-driven, one-on-one interaction.
The benefits of digital health solutions
Applying digital therapeutics to MSK conditions presents organisations with an easy-to-use, scalable and affordable option to one of the most challenging and costly chronic health challenges. Imagine being able to take a proactive, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal pain while saving money, increasing engagement and improving wellbeing. Addressing chronic health conditions with a holistic mind-body approach could be one of the most rewarding and cost-effective approaches your organisation can take.
For corporate wellbeing programs, this unique approach can deliver app-based MSK therapies that are as good or better than traditional physical therapy programs at a fraction of the cost. For you and your organisation, it can mean:
- Increased productivity and engagement
- Reduced disability claims
- Prevention of future medical costs
- Increased ability to attract and retain the best talent
Most of your employees are already digitally engaged, payers are adopting and integrating digital health solutions into their offerings, and your competitors are investing in the most innovative digital health solutions for their own workforces. Now, it’s your turn!
About Kaia Health
Kaia Health is an advanced digital health solution and an integrated partner with Virgin Pulse that offers members a digital therapeutic platform specifically designed for musculoskeletal health. Their evidence-based approach drives value, boosts engagement and improves health outcomes with a personalised approach to MSK wellness.