According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), musculoskeletal disorders (MSKs or MSDs) rank as the top cause of pain, suffering, and disability in the U.S. workplace. San Francisco-based Hinge Health focuses on musculoskeletal disorders. According to the company, 54% of U.S. adults report MSK conditions each year. Workers miss more than 216 million days of work annually in the U.S. MSKs cause 16% of employer health care budgets. Hinge Health claims 75% of MSK-related surgeries can be avoided with proper care.
The Hinge Health product and service package includes two Hinge wrist bands with integrated motion sensors and a tablet with pre-installed Hinge Health software. Users also get a carrying case, charger, a tablet stand, and instructions. As part of the package, MSK patients participate in a 12-week Digital Care remote coach-led program. The program includes customized education, exercises, and coaching using the wearables for objective biometric monitoring. According to the company’s own measurements based on hundred of patients, patients reported 56% less pain after the completing the 12-week program. More than 50% of the patients avoided surgery.
Treating symptoms without also treating the underlying cause often leads to chronic conditions and, in the case of untreated MSK disorders, can lead to opiate addiction. Hinge Health integrates wearables into a comprehensive treatment program.
