Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders affect half of the population daily, inflicting significant pain and costing billions in healthcare expenses. We know that a shift toward preventive musculoskeletal care could be transformative. To achieve this, we must first define what preventive care entails and begin overcoming several systemic challenges.
Level Set
As mentioned in my last piece, 76% of employers report that musculoskeletal health is their top health expenditure (Hinge Health). Yet, only 20% have implemented comprehensive MSK solutions. Not just a cost concern, Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are a significant burden on quality of life and healthcare systems. The cost of treating these conditions is staggering, tallying in the 100’s of billions annually depending on the source, and is driven by a reactive approach that typically addresses problems only once they become severe.
Reactive Care: Why It Dominates
Physical therapy, delivered in person or virtually, works, and will continue to be valuable for individuals who require professional assistance in reducing pain and improving physical function. Although increasing access to acuity care services is important, these services alone do not significantly alter overall population health trends towards better long-term outcomes. The focus remains on managing acute conditions rather than implementing strategies that prevent them from developing (Health Affairs, 2023).
Pain is a great motivator to inspire action. The current MSK care system is built in response to this. Individuals with MSK dysfunction typically seek professional or medical attention after experiencing pain, loss of function in daily tasks, or significant discomfort. This is not entirely surprising; humans are likely to stick to behaviors (or resist change) unless absolutely necessary. With human behavior norms and a health system that is built to catch an individual when their pain gets severe enough, the status quo will continue to add up in cost.
This reactive care approach to MSK care incentivizes innovation and monetization for treating existing conditions rather than encouraging providers to create solutions that prevent MSK dysfunction in the first place. This is highlighted by Insurance plans often covering surgeries and other interventions but offering limited support for preventive measures (McKinsey & Company, 2022).
The Elusive Definition of Preventive MSK Care
One of the most pressing issues in shifting towards preventive musculoskeletal care is the absence of a unified definition. The lack of consensus on what constitutes preventive MSK care creates confusion among stakeholders and hampers effective implementation.
We’ve received calls from different insurer groups looking for an ‘MSK Solution.’ When probed, decision makers often need to be educated about the range of MSK conditions and associated services. The lack of clear definition means that preventive strategies vary widely across healthcare settings, leading to inconsistent application and limited impact (CDC, 2021).
A company focused on reducing high surgical costs might define preventive care differently than a company looking for at-home guided exercise programs. This fragmented experience minimizes the ability to effectively address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal issues. There is a need for clear, cohesive definitions that can guide the development and implementation of preventive strategies across various contexts.
Limitations of Focusing on Acuity Care
Our current MSK care approach celebrates cost savings achieved by limiting surgical interventions. The associated cost of performing surgeries is a relatively straightforward thing to measure. This system reinforces a cycle where pain and dysfunction are addressed only after they become significant problems. Consequently, while surgeries might offer relief, they do not reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders or the overall costs associated with them (PHTI MSK Care Report, 2023).
The prevailing focus on cost savings from surgeries rather than on prevention highlights a critical gap in the healthcare system. To genuinely improve population health and reduce musculoskeletal care costs, there is a pressing need for solutions that shift behavior towards healthier movement practices.
Effective prevention requires a personalized approach that involves assessing individual health needs, understanding the collected data, and applying appropriate interventions proactively. This approach is not only about providing access to services but also about creating systems that foster long-term behavioral changes (McKinsey & Company, 2022).
Making Preventive MSK Care an Engaging Experience
To make substantial progress in preventive musculoskeletal care, we must move further upstream than traditional physical therapy models. This involves developing engaging exercise-as-medicine programs tailored to individual needs that are aimed at preventing the progression of musculoskeletal conditions. By creating programs that are both engaging and personalized, we can address the underlying factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders and promote long-term health (CDC, 2021).
Measuring these exercise-as-medicine programs and the impact they can have on improving musculoskeletal health will help draw a clear line on cost savings for employers and insurers. This will require collaboration across stakeholders made up of healthcare providers, insurers, and employers. By working together, these groups can develop and promote effective preventive strategies, measure their impact, and integrate them into existing healthcare frameworks (Health Affairs, 2023).
The Path Forward
The benefits of implementing preventive MSK care are clear. A shift towards prevention could reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, decrease healthcare costs, and improve overall quality of life for the individuals receiving care. To achieve this, we must address several key areas:
Develop Better Solutions: Offer easy to use, science based solutions that deliver personalized MSK care that improve overall health and quality of life.
Data Collection and Reporting: Gather and analyze data to demonstrate the effectiveness of preventive care and make a compelling case for their adoption.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster partnerships among healthcare providers, insurers, and employers to integrate preventive care into existing systems and ensure widespread adoption (Hinge Health, 2023).
The high cost of musculoskeletal care reflects a reactive system that often overlooks the benefits of prevention. We can shift towards a model that not only reduces costs but also enhances the quality of life for individuals. Embracing this approach will require collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to prioritizing long-term health over short-term fixes.
References
CDC. (2021). Physical Activity and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from CDC.gov
Health Affairs. (2023). The Cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Insights and Solutions. Health Affairs Journal. Retrieved from HealthAffairs.org
Hinge Health. (2023). Preventive Musculoskeletal Care: The Future of Healthcare. Hinge Health Report. Retrieved from HingeHealth.com
McKinsey & Company. (2022). The Economic Impact of Preventive Healthcare. McKinsey Report. Retrieved from McKinsey.com
PHTI MSK Care Report. (2023). Current Trends and Cost Implications in MSK Care. PHTI Report. Retrieved from PHTI.org
National Library of Medicine. (2019). Health and Economic Outcomes Associated With Musculoskeletal Disorders Attributable to High Body Mass Index in 192 Countries and Territories in 2019. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9860530/
About movr
movr is a digital MSK & movement health solution, working with leaders in digital health by integrating smart assessments and personalized exercise solutions into existing health & wellness platforms.
movr's research-backed approach has been validated through over half a million movement assessments and personalized exercise recommendations.
To learn more, visit our website or contact us.
