Digital MSK tools: 5 features to look for

Lower back pain. Arthritis. Neck pain. Tendonitis. These are just a few of the most common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions that affect tens of millions of Americans. MSK disorders are not only often debilitating for many individuals, but they also represent a significant cost burden for employers and payers.¹

Expensive procedures such as spinal fusions are only driving these costs higher — even as many MSK surgeries could be avoidable through non-operative care. As the U.S. population ages, and obesity rates rise, MSK conditions are expected to increase, which could lead to reduced workforce productivity, diminished quality of life, and even higher healthcare expenses.

This is where digital MSK solutions come into play. These solutions leverage technology — from self-assessment apps to remote physical therapy (PT) —to improve the management and treatment of MSK conditions. Given the surge in wearable technology, and the expansive growth of the telehealth market,² it’s no surprise that digital MSK care is skyrocketing. Since 2010, nearly $40 billion³ has been invested in the digital MSK care industry, and the market is expected to more than double between 2024 and 2030.⁴

In terms of economic impact, the Peterson Health Technology Institute estimates that if 25% of people with low back pain shifted from in-person PT to a digital MSK platform, annual savings could reach $4.4 million per one million commercially insured individuals.⁵

Yet, despite the immense promise of digital MSK solutions — in particular as a way to provide cost-effective, and convenient care for patients — not all digital MSK solutions are created equal. To effectively drive better outcomes and contain costs, employers and payers need digital MSK solutions that are comprehensive, results-oriented, and empowering for members. Here’s what that should look like.

Digital MSK programs empower employees to take control of their health, ultimately resulting in fewer surgeries, less medication use, improved recovery, and less pain. Case in point: in one study of 10,000 participants in a 12-week digital care program, nearly 80% saw improved pain levels.¹

Here are 5 key features employers and payers should consider when searching for an effective digital MSK care program.

1. Comprehensive care 

A truly valuable digital MSK program should offer a comprehensive solution that spans the entire continuum of care, from wellness and prevention to recovery and rehabilitation. This approach helps prevent MSK conditions before they start and ensures that individuals receive the most appropriate care at every stage of their journey. That includes:

• Preventive care: Look for programs that offer educational content, exercise routines, ergonomic support, and lifestyle recommendations to reduce risk factors such as obesity and poor posture.
• Conservative treatments: Digital solutions should educate members about non-invasive options, such as physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and pain management techniques.
• Surgical support and recovery: If surgery is necessary, the program should provide post-operative care, helping individuals recover effectively and avoid complications. Access to a network of high-performing and cost-efficient surgical facilities can help drive superior outcomes, including savings. Optum MSK solutions have seen members save 28% on procedures performed at surgical centers of excellence, for example.

2. Ease of use

It’s obvious but key: The program should be simple and intuitive, ensuring that users of all technological backgrounds can easily engage. Whether through a mobile app, website, or wearable device, the solution should be friction-free.

The availability of MSK care providers who can offer personalized guidance and decision support is especially useful, ensuring that individuals select the most appropriate care and avoid overuse of services.

3. Accessibility

By engaging individuals wherever they are, digital MSK can also bolster inclusivity to address disparities in care.¹ Consider rural areas, where Americans have higher rates of obesity and smoking, comorbidities that can increase the risk of MSK conditions and amplify symptoms. In these areas, convenient access to in-person care and MSK-related specialists is less likely.²

Even if patients do have their own vehicle and a flexible work schedule, they’re more likely to miss in-person PT appointments — or fail to schedule them — if facilities are a long drive away.

Digital MSK offerings bridge these divides, allowing employers to meet the needs and care delivery preferences of diverse patient populations with varied MSK conditions. By providing an array of complementary offerings —telehealth appointments, but also self-directed PT exercise plans and even guided meditations to ease pain-inducing stress — payers and employers can offer more inclusivity for members and employees.

4. Behavioral engagement

An important part of digital MSK’s value-creating potential lies in its ability to spark motivation and momentum — which in turn creates a virtuous cycle improving satisfaction and outcomes. Research has shown that in addition to effective pain management, digital MSK care can create active engagement and long-term behavioral change.¹

Programs that incentivize progress through reward systems or gamification can help boost user adherence. This requires tools that not only deliver effective treatment but also create a personalized, interactive experience for members.

5. Personalization

Just as no one’s experience with an MSK condition is the same, no digital MSK solution should be identical from one person to the next. A quality program allows for personalization — whether that’s virtual on-demand coaches who can provide tailored PT exercise plans or guidance for managing MSK pain, or real-time feedback that allows for personalized growth. Programs that let users track their usage and outcomes cheerlead for individualized progress.

When selecting a digital MSK solution, it’s important to choose a program that is comprehensive, results-driven, easy to use, and capable of integrating seamlessly into an existing care infrastructure. With done right, digital MSK care programs can become a powerful tool against surging MSK costs, ultimately driving both better health outcomes and financial savings.