Designing MSK benefits for a healthier, more productive workforce

Understanding the importance of msk benefits

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is one of the biggest drivers of employee wellbeing and organizational performance. MSK conditions, which include back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery needs, account for nearly half of all chronic health issues in the workforce. For employers, the consequences are significant: higher medical claims, lost productivity, and disengaged employees.

This is where MSK benefits create real impact. Employers who offer strong MSK employee benefits not only help people live with less pain, they also strengthen their workforce and reduce healthcare costs.

Many benefits leaders still treat MSK as an optional benefit rather than a strategic priority. That approach overlooks evidence showing that modern MSK benefits improve health outcomes while delivering measurable ROI for employers¹.

Why employers need dedicated msk benefits

The financial burden of MSK conditions is too often underestimated by finance leaders and benefits administrators.

MSK disorders cost U.S. employers more than $380 billion in direct healthcare expenditures annually². They are also the leading driver of absenteeism and disability claims. Traditional care pathways are fragmented, with long wait times, inconsistent quality, and poor follow-through.

The employee experience gap

For employees, access to care is often limited. Research shows that after just four sessions, 50 percent of patients drop out of traditional physical therapy³. Barriers include travel, scheduling conflicts, and out-of-pocket costs. Without effective MSK benefits, employees are left to manage pain on their own, which can lead to dependence on painkillers or unnecessary surgeries.

MSK benefits as a workforce differentiator

Employers that invest in MSK employee benefits send a powerful message: employee health matters. In today’s tight labor market, benefits like digital MSK therapy differentiate companies, support retention, and reinforce a progressive workplace culture.

This combination of cost reduction and employee value makes MSK benefits a strategic imperative, not just a healthcare line item.

What strong employer MSK benefits look like

Not all MSK benefits deliver the same impact. The most effective programs share several critical elements that create value for both employees and employers.

Access to digital physical therapy

Virtual-first MSK benefits provide care at home, on any schedule. Digital solutions overcome barriers such as geography and time constraints. Sword Health’s Digital Physical Therapy solutions delivers expert care plans prepared by a matched specialist that carries a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Each member receives one-on-one support and Sword's FDA-listed medical devices provide real-time biofeedback. This enables people to complete their exercises from home at any time that suits their schedule.

The results demonstrate the power of this accessibility as Sword is the only digital solution proven to be as engaging and clinically effective (or more) as high-intensity in-person physical therapy⁴.

Preventive and proactive support

Strong employer MSK benefits do not wait until pain becomes severe. Preventive programs such as guided movement plans and ergonomics support reduce injury risk and help employees stay active⁵.

Integrated mental health support

Chronic MSK pain often coexists with anxiety and depression. Effective MSK benefits include tools to support emotional wellbeing. In Sword’s programs, up to 50 percent of members report reduced anxiety and depression⁶.

Outcomes-focused healthcare care

Employers should evaluate MSK benefits by outcomes such as pain reduction, lower surgery intent, reduced opioid use, and productivity gains. For example, 67 percent of Sword members with moderate to severe pain report being pain-free by the end of the program⁷.

By combining access, prevention, mental health, and outcomes, employer MSK benefits create a holistic approach to workforce health.

The ROI of offering strong MSK employee benefits

Employer MSK benefits improve health and generate measurable cost savings and productivity gains.

• Fewer surgeries: Digital MSK therapy reduces surgery intent by up to 70 percent⁶.
• Lower reliance on opioids: 47 percent of members in Sword programs stopped taking painkillers⁸.
• Improved productivity: Employers report a 68 percent increase in employee productivity when MSK benefits are used⁶.
• Reduced absenteeism: Employers gain an average of $2,916 per member per year in productivity value from MSK-related absenteeism reduction⁹

For benefits leaders, these data points demonstrate that investing in MSK employee benefits is a health decision and a financial strategy.

How to evaluate employer msk benefits

When selecting an MSK program, benefits leaders should ask:

• Does the program provide access to licensed clinicians?
• Can employees use MSK benefits anytime and anywhere?
• Are outcomes measurable and validated?
• Does the program support both physical and mental health needs?
• How does the solution integrate into the broader benefits strategy?

Asking these questions ensures the program will deliver meaningful results for both employees and the organization.

The future of msk benefits for employers

Healthcare is shifting toward personalization and digital-first models. MSK care is part of this trend. Employers who adopt modern MSK benefits today will shape healthier, more resilient workforces tomorrow.

Leading organizations are already moving from reactive, treatment-based models to proactive MSK benefits strategies. With personalized care, preventive tools, and digital access, they are reducing costs while redefining employee wellbeing.

Act now and offer stronger msk benefits to your employees

Musculoskeletal conditions are too costly and too common to ignore. Without targeted employer MSK benefits, costs rise, productivity suffers, and employees are left in pain. With the right solution, companies can reduce claims costs, strengthen workforce wellbeing, and build a competitive advantage.

Now is the time to invest. Learn how Sword Health can help you design employer MSK benefits that reduce costs, improve outcomes, and transform workforce wellbeing. Book a demo today.

FAQs about MSK benefits design

What are MSK benefits?

MSK benefits are employer-sponsored programs designed to prevent, manage, and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery.

How do employer MSK benefits differ from standard health benefits?

While traditional health benefits may cover MSK treatment, employer MSK benefits go further by offering preventive care, digital therapy, and continuous outcomes tracking.

What are examples of MSK employee benefits?

Examples include digital physical therapy, ergonomic assessments, wearable-guided movement programs, and integrated mental health support.

Why should employers invest in MSK benefits?

Investing in MSK benefits reduces healthcare costs, boosts productivity, and helps employees recover faster, which strengthens the workforce.