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What is physical therapy?
If you’re living with pain, whether it’s in your back, knees, neck, or elsewhere, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience pain that affects how they move, sleep, and live each day. For many, physical therapy is a proven and effective path to feeling better and regaining control. But what is physical therapy, exactly? And how does it work? Physical therapy is a personalized, hands-on approach to improving physical function. It’s guided by licensed professionals who use exercise, education, and movement strategies to help people recover from pain, injury, or limited mobility. Whether you’re healing after surgery or dealing with chronic pain, physical therapy can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and move more confidently again. Let’s walk through what physical therapy really is, who it helps, and how you can access it in person or through a virtual-first solution like Thrive from Sword Health.
May 9, 2025 • 8 min read
Megan Hill
Orthopedic physical therapy: What it is and how it helps you heal
Muscle, joint, and bone pain are common health concerns that affect millions of people each year. Whether it's lingering discomfort from a sports injury, recovery after surgery, or chronic stiffness that’s crept in over time, these issues often signal an underlying orthopedic condition. For many people, orthopedic physical therapy offers a safe, effective, and evidence-based path to healing. But if you're just starting to explore your options, understanding what this kind of therapy involves, and whether it's right for you, can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can make informed decisions about your health and recovery.
May 9, 2025 • 8 min read
Megan Hill
The Best Surgery is No Surgery. With Sword Predict, That’s Now Possible.
Healthcare spending in the United States has soared over the past few decades, consistently outpacing inflation and economic growth. In recent years, this trend has accelerated, putting mounting pressure on employers, their employees, and the broader economy. Despite decades of innovation in other industries, healthcare remains an outlier where more technology often means more spending, not less. Meanwhile, health outcomes have not generally improved. Consider obesity rates in America, which have risen consistently over the past 20 years, affecting nearly every age group and demographic. The financial impact on both employers and workers is massive: Annual family health insurance premiums now rival the cost of buying each employee a new car every year ($23,968 annually) Healthcare takes money out of the average family’s paycheck. Wage growth has stagnated as healthcare spending consumes an ever-larger share of compensation In 2023, 38% of U.S. adults said they or a family member skipped or postponed medical care due to cost As Warren Buffett once put it, healthcare has become the “tapeworm of the American economy.” What’s driving this persistent inefficiency? To find the answer, start with inappropriate care — particularly for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, which affect 1 in 2 adult Americans. MSK conditions are the leading contributor to healthcare spend and lost productivity. Yet across the U.S., decisions about care are anything but consistent. A person in Dallas is 4x more likely to receive spine surgery than someone in New York Data from Dartmouth Atlas shows massive variation in orthopedic surgery rates by region, with spine surgeries spiking at least 30% higher than the national average in 59 hospital regions across the country According to research conducted by Dr. Vijay Yanamadala, a practicing neurosurgeon and Sword’s chief medical officer, up to 58% of spine surgeries may be unnecessary and avoidable, and may even lead to worse outcomes than no surgery at all One study found that 33% of total knee replacements were unnecessary MSK-related surgeries continue to skyrocket, despite growing evidence from major trials showing that physical therapy is as effective as surgery for many common MSK conditions, including lumbar spinal stenosis, hip osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears. Knee and hip replacements have more than doubled since 2020, while hip replacements have tripled in the past two decades. Spinal fusions, one of the most common MSK surgical procedures, have risen 60% between 2004 and 2015. In fact, the U.S. performs more spine surgeries per capita than any other country. So why are unnecessary surgeries still so common? Because traditional physical therapy often fails to engage the very people who need it most. Inconvenience, access barriers, and low perceived value all contribute to abysmal adherence rates. Because of these factors, half of all PT patients drop out after just four sessions. At Sword Health, we’ve helped tens of thousands of members avoid surgery and reclaim their lives through Thrive, our flagship MSK-care program. We’re allowing employers, health plans, and individuals to drastically cut their medical spending by making physical therapy the first intervention for chronic pain — not the last. However, when we look at claims data, a clear pattern emerges: Some of the highest-risk individuals aren’t engaging with our interventions that could save them from the financial and physical burden of surgery. We knew there was a critical need for a more proactive way to reach the people most in need of MSK care. How could we reach people before they head down the path toward expensive and invasive interventions like surgery? We needed a more personalized, proactive solution that overcomes barriers, boosts engagement, and maximizes clinical outcomes and cost savings. Enter Predict — our AI-driven triage engine that identifies high-risk members 6 to 8 months in advance of a potential surgery and engages them with concierge-level support to avoid unnecessary surgeries and invasive treatments. Predict is built to: Identify members who are at the greatest clinical risk of needing costly MSK procedures and who stand to benefit most from early, targeted intervention Understand and overcome the engagement barriers unique to this high-risk population Deliver personalized, human-centered outreach to build trust and activate care Predict combines predictive AI with one-to-one human support to help the most vulnerable members get the right care before they end up on the wrong path. The result: much lower MSK costs for employers and health plans, and better outcomes for people suffering from acute and chronic pain.
May 1, 2025 • 7 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Movement and Mental Health: The Science Behind It
It probably comes as no surprise to hear that movement helps with your physical health, but did you know that moving your body can strengthen the mind? Whether it’s through structured exercise or daily activities, movement plays a critical role in maintaining mental wellbeing and stamina. Regular physical activity can decrease the effects of stress, improve mood, and even enhance memory and cognition.
September 20, 2024 • 6 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Study confirms efficacy of AI care model
NEW YORK, August 20, 2024 — A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine confirmed that Sword Health’s AI Care model, which makes world-class, life-changing care accessible anytime, anywhere, can safely and effectively scale clinicians while maintaining patient outcomes, resulting in equally positive results and higher completion rates than the control group. The study found that with the use of AI to complete clerical tasks, support patient monitoring, and aid decision-making on patient progression, Sword’s AI Care model makes it possible to deliver high-quality care to a broader population and has a positive impact on patient engagement and satisfaction, enabling high-quality care. “This study is yet more proof that AI Care is transforming how care is delivered by providing high-quality personalized care that is also cost-effective, creating benefits for members, employers, and clinicians alike,” stated Virgilio “V” Bento, founder and CEO of Sword Health.
August 20, 2024 • 2 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Productivity study
According to newly published research in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sword saves clients an average of $2,916 per member per year (PMPY) in lost productivity due to musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This comes on the heels of an independent analysis conducted by Risk Strategies Consulting, a leading actuarial and risk management consulting firm, that found that Sword saves clients $3,177 PMPY on average by reducing avoidable spending across multiple service categories—including procedures, surgeries, ER visits, office visits, therapy, and medical imaging. Between improving employee productivity and reducing wasteful healthcare spending, Sword drives substantial savings. Keep reading to learn more about the toll MSK-related productivity loss takes on employers, and about the new clinical study which demonstrates the value of Sword’s AI Care platform to improve employee productivity and quality of life.
June 25, 2024 • 6 min read
Sword Editorial Team
RSC study
Study finds that participants in the Sword Health program achieve $3,177 gross savings annually per member—the highest across the healthtech industry.² New York, June 25, 2024—A new study by Risk Strategies Consulting (RSC), a leader in actuarial and risk management consulting, has confirmed that participants in the Sword Health program save $3,177 annually on musculoskeletal (MSK) and physical inactivity-related healthcare expenses compared to non-participants.³ These savings are primarily due to a 50% reduction in MSK surgeries and lower utilization of therapy, office visits, imaging, and emergency room services.⁴ The overall medical cost savings translate to a 3.2x return on investment (ROI), marking the highest independently validated medical savings in the health tech market based on Sword Health's analysis.⁵ Supporting these findings, the Peterson Health Technology Institute published a report indicating that digital MSK solutions like Sword Health provide clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function that are comparable to in-person therapy, with significant potential to reduce overall healthcare spending.⁶
June 25, 2024 • 3 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Meet Phoenix, the world's first AI care specialist
Phoenix is the next evolution of Sword's AI Care platform, combining AI and human clinicians to make world-class care infinitely more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective New York, June 4, 2024 – Sword Health, the pioneer of AI Care, artificial intelligence powering the delivery of care, announced today a financing round of $130 million in a mix of primary and secondary sale to provide liquidity to current and former employees and early investors. This brings the total funding to $340 million to date, and the company is now valued at $3 billion—up 50% from its Series D valuation. Sword Health also introduced Phoenix, the AI Care Specialist, that guides and reacts to members during their sessions through natural conversation, bringing the clinical experience and expertise of a clinician to wherever the patient is. Phoenix, named for its ability to get members back to living vibrant lives, will be integrated across the Sword platform, starting with Thrive, its solution for physical pain, and then into Bloom, its women’s pelvic health care solution, in the coming months.
June 4, 2024 • 4 min read
Sword Editorial Team
The Power of Mindful Walking
Walking has been described as a practically perfect exercise. It’s convenient, low-cost, low-risk, and provides significant benefits to your physical health, including: But it can also be transformative for your mental health, resulting in: Physical activity, such as walking, is associated with improvements in mood and reduced risk of depression and anxiety. In fact, some evidence shows moderate intensity exercise has a greater effect on mood compared to a vigorous effort. So even a stroll at a comfortable pace is beneficial. Keep reading to learn how to maximize these mental health benefits with mindfulness.
May 23, 2024 • 3 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Ask a PT: 6 things to know before you take up running
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise worldwide. About 50 million Americans, or 15% of the U.S. population, participated in some form of running or jogging in 2023. A widely accessible sport, running doesn’t require any fancy equipment, a gym membership, a coach, or a team. All you need to get started is yourself and a pair of training shoes (more on choosing the right shoes later)—and running is easily adaptable to any person’s pace and fitness level. The fact that running is so approachable is excellent news, because research shows that it has significant physical and mental benefits. Even going on a few one- to two-mile runs each week is enough to improve your cardiovascular health, lower your risk of depression, and reduce your mortality risk.
May 10, 2024 • 10 min read
Megan Hill
What Freedom From Pain Makes Possible: Meet Sword Member Chandra
Sword member Chandra first experienced pain while growing up in Los Angeles, California. “It started in my teenage years, playing sports and not really having access or the knowledge to know how to take care of myself after.” Throughout her twenties and beyond, Chandra’s pain lingered, even as she took up weight training and powerlifting. Despite how much she enjoyed lifting, pain in her left shoulder and bicep limited what she was able to accomplish in the gym.
March 5, 2024 • 4 min read
Sword Editorial Team
5 tips for optimal pelvic health
In the fast-paced rhythm of our lives, your wellbeing often takes a back seat. However, when it comes to pelvic health, adopting simple habits can make a world of a difference. Let’s explore five habits that can help unlock a healthier, more balanced you. If you find yourself straining or rushing when using the toilet, it’s time to change your bathroom habits. In order for the bladder and bowel to completely empty, your pelvic floor muscles must relax. Set yourself up for success by sitting all the way down (not squatting), tilting your torso slightly forward and taking a deep breath to help relax your muscles. Always avoid straining or pushing down, as this puts pressure on your pelvic floor muscles and can contribute to dysfunction like pelvic organ prolapse and overactive bladder. Water is not just essential for overall health, but it also plays a crucial role in your pelvic wellness. Staying hydrated supports the proper functioning of your urinary system. When hydrating, make sure to avoid excess caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners, as these are bladder irritants that can increase the frequency of bathroom breaks and contribute to bladder urgency issues.
January 30, 2024 • 5 min read
Liz Santo
For employers
Workplace health advice
How Digital Physical Therapy Improves Employee Retention
Did you know that fear of pain can be more disabling than pain itself? Chronic pain and employee turnover prevention are critically linked, but with the right MSK benefits coverage, employers can help their team members recover from pain to increase workplace productivity. Nearly 28% of people in the workplace will take leave for MSK pain over the course of a year. Patients who suffer the two most common conditions of low back and neck pain have an average return to work of 7 days. Overall, MSK conditions are responsible for 44 missed work days each year on average.
October 24, 2025 • 5 min read
Sword Editorial Team
How to evaluate and select the best digital MSK vendors
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are one of the most expensive and under-addressed cost centers facing U.S. healthcare providers. MSK disorders affect 1 in 2 Americans and cost over $190 billion per year, more than heart disease, cancer, or mental health conditions. For employers and health plans, MSK claims are often among the top 3 cost drivers. And for members, chronic pain reduces quality of life, drives absenteeism, and often leads to costly downstream interventions. That’s why digital MSK solutions have surged in popularity. The promise is compelling: better access, which drives stronger engagement, delivers better outcomes, and therefore lowers overall healthcare costs.
October 24, 2025 • 6 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Reduce MSK costs with more effective digital MSK care plans
You’ve likely seen numerous digital health solutions that promise to lower medical spend. You’ve probably zeroed in on the top conditions with significant digital solutions in the marketplace: musculoskeletal (MSK), mental health, and diabetes. For most companies, prioritizing MSK care over other digital health solutions will drive the biggest benefits for your employees and your bottom line when it comes to savings. Given the multitude of vendors, platforms, and solutions available, prioritization can be a daunting task. How do you choose from among the thousands of digital health tools? What combination of condition focus and solution selection will drive the best outcomes for your population and the biggest return for your business?
October 24, 2025 • 5 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Tackling the #1 driver of employers’ health costs: MSK
The phrase ‘musculoskeletal disorder’ may not ring a bell — but the feeling might. The term refers to any type of pain in the muscles or joints, from chronic pain to injuries to post-surgical pain. Many of us have suffered from a musculoskeletal (MSK) issue at some point in our lives. In fact, one in two Americans is struggling with an MSK condition right now. And it’s causing economic ripples, especially in the workplace.
January 20, 2020 • 6 min read
Sword Editorial Team
Expert guidance
From the experts: Ask a physical therapist
Ask a PT: when is the best time to do my exercises?
Before I joined Sword Health, I worked in brick-and-mortar clinics. I never worked weekends, and rarely worked past 6 pm. My schedule was great...for me. But for my patients, it was a real challenge. Attending a physical therapy appointment might require leaving work early or slipping out at lunch. Even patients with more flexible schedules would sometimes lament about finding childcare or arranging transportation. A thirty-minute appointment could easily take an hour or even 90 minutes once travel was taken into account. When I was in a clinic, the “best” time for a patient to do their exercises was the time that worked for me, not for them. Sword's virtual model gives our members the power to do their exercises when AND where it's most convenient for them. Now that I work remotely for Sword, I’m able to help our members figure out the best time to do their exercises at home. Now, when my members ask me when they should do their exercises, I tell them - the best time is when you’ll actually do them!
February 11, 2021 • 6 min read
Megan Hill
Ask a PT: Does walking really help with pain?
If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines of a sporting event, you’ve likely witnessed many falls, trips and tackles. Whether the players are small children or professional athletes, the advice from the coach may have simply been to “walk it off.” While that is not always the best solution after an acute injury, walking can be a really effective way to manage chronic pain. Motion is lotion. Movement increases blood flow, which brings nutrients to our tissues. It also helps those that don’t have blood flow, like cartilage. Cartilage lines our joints, absorbing impact. It’s surrounded by a liquid which provides it with nutrients, flowing in and out of it like a sponge. Exercise, like walking, causes loading that fills and squeezes that sponge, particularly in the joints of our legs and spine.
August 13, 2020 • 4 min read
Megan Hill
Ask a PT: What Is Causing My Shoulder Pain?
When your shoulder hurts, it can be difficult to tell exactly what’s gone wrong. You’ve probably heard of pinched nerves and rotator cuff tears. Perhaps you’ve also heard about shoulders being ‘impinged’ or ‘frozen.’ It’s not easy to keep these various shoulder conditions straight, especially when they all cause similar pain symptoms. The first step towards fixing a problem is identifying it. This article, written by a team of Doctors of Physical Therapy, is designed to help you figure out what’s causing your shoulder pain — so you can begin the process of healing it. We will dive into the five most common causes of shoulder pain and how to differentiate them. Cervical refers to the neck, and radiculopathy is pain that radiates to another body part. Hence, cervical radiculopathy: a pinched nerve in the neck, which can cause radiating pain affecting the shoulder. It occurs when the cervical spine becomes damaged due to sudden injury or degeneration over time, and squeezes or puts pressure on a nearby nerve.
November 1, 2023 • 6 min read
Megan Hill
Healthcare contributors
Meet Sword's expert authors
Vijay Yanamadala
Chief Medical Officer at Sword Health
Fernando Correia
SVP Clinical & Regulatory Affairs at Sword Health
Megan Hill
Director, Clinical Specialists
Morgan Hollis
Head of Clinical Strategy, Sword Move
Jennesa Atherton
Head of Clinical Affairs, Sword Bloom
Liz Santo
Senior Clinical Program Manager, Sword Bloom ·
