Your guide to managing MSK pain

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain can make everyday tasks feel like uphill battles. Whether it's bending down to pick up a child, sitting through a workday, or simply getting a good night’s rest, MSK pain touches nearly every aspect of life.

If you're here, you might be one of the millions looking not just for information, but for real solutions that work. You’re not alone and you don’t have to settle for treatments that leave you frustrated or stuck. Thankfully, modern care models are evolving. Sword Health is pioneering a virtual-first, clinically guided approach that empowers people living with MSK pain to recover from the comfort of home.

This is your guide to understanding MSK pain, exploring your treatment options, and learning why digital physical therapy might be exactly what your body and your life need right now.

What is MSK pain and why does it matter?

MSK pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction that affects the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. It commonly shows up in the back, neck, knees, shoulders, or hips, though it can impact virtually any part of the body.

Causes vary widely: repetitive motion, injuries, poor posture, aging, or chronic conditions like arthritis can all be culprits. But what truly defines MSK pain isn’t just where it shows up, it’s how it affects your day-to-day life. MSK pain can make physical activity feel impossible, disrupt sleep, affect your mood, and reduce your overall quality of life.

Over time, it can also limit your mobility, independence, and productivity. What starts as occasional discomfort can spiral into long-term pain if not addressed early and effectively.

Does MSK pain ever go away?

The answer depends on the whether the pain is chronic or acute. Acute MSK pain, such as that caused by a minor strain or temporary overuse, often resolves with rest, movement modification, and time. But chronic MSK pain is a different story.

Pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, especially when untreated, tends not to simply “go away.” In fact, ignoring it or taking only passive approaches, like relying on medication, can sometimes worsen the issue. The body is designed to heal, but it needs the right guidance to do so properly.

Many people with chronic MSK conditions live with pain for years because they never receive targeted, consistent care. Others try physical therapy briefly, but drop off due to inconvenience or a lack of perceived progress. Recovery from MSK pain is possible, but it requires intentional, personalized intervention.

The dangers of letting MSK pain go untreated

Living with pain take both a physical and a mental toll. Pain attacks at your mental health, energy levels, and your outlook on life.

When MSK pain is left untreated, it often leads to worsening mobility, muscular imbalances, and joint degradation. Over time, people may stop moving in natural ways to avoid discomfort, which can create compensatory patterns and new sources of pain. Emotionally, the experience can be draining.

Chronic pain is closely linked to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. The sense of frustration and helplessness that can accompany long-term discomfort is all too real. In the worst cases, untreated MSK issues can lead to irreversible damage, disability, or surgical interventions that could have been avoided with earlier care. This is why timely, proactive treatment matters.

Traditional care paths can fall short

Many people’s first stop for MSK pain is their primary care doctor, who may refer them to physical therapy or prescribe medication. While these paths can offer some relief, they often fall short of providing long-term solutions.

In-person physical therapy can be highly effective, but it's not always accessible. Busy schedules, transportation barriers, and cost limitations keep many from sticking with a plan long enough to see results. The traditional model can feel fragmented and challenging for anyone with a busy schedule.

Appointments may be weeks apart, progress tracking is often minimal, and the support between visits can be nonexistent. That disconnect makes it harder for people to stay engaged, especially when they're already discouraged by pain.

As a result, many fall into a cycle of temporary fixes: medications that mask symptoms or procedures that address effects rather than root causes. For some, this leads to surgery, not because it was the only option, but because other interventions didn’t work or weren’t pursued long enough.

How digital physical therapy works (and why it’s different)

Digital physical therapy flips the old model on its head. Instead of traveling to a clinic, waiting for care, and receiving general guidance, people using Sword Health’s Thrive program can begin targeted, tool-assisted therapy at home on their schedule.

Care is delivered by licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy who assess, treat, and track your progress virtually, using smart movement sensors and an intuitive app.

This isn’t a generic exercise video or a one-size-fits-all plan.

• Every Thrive program is tailored to the individual using your pain history, your goals, and your daily routine.
• Therapy sessions are guided by real-time feedback from sensors that ensure your movements are accurate and effective.
• Plus, your clinician is there every step of the way, checking in regularly and adjusting your plan as needed.

The result is a care experience that’s not just more convenient. It’s more consistent, more relevant, and more effective.

Real benefits for real people living with MSK pain

People who use Sword Health’s digital therapy often report not just pain relief, but restored confidence in their bodies. Being able to move freely again without fear of re-injury is powerful.

Many members say they’ve regained the ability to do things they once avoided, whether it’s returning to work, playing with their kids, or just going for a walk without discomfort.

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. But what sets digital care apart is that it supports progress day by day, with the right mix of expert guidance and self-empowerment.

Members stay more engaged because therapy fits into their lives—not the other way around. And because everything happens from home, there are fewer barriers to showing up and following through.

Pain reduction is only part of the story. Digital physical therapy also improves function, boosts mental resilience, and restores a sense of agency that chronic pain often erodes. That kind of holistic healing is what sustainable MSK care should look like.

Is Thrive digital physical therapy right for you?

If you’re dealing with back pain, joint stiffness, muscle soreness, or movement limitations, you may already be an ideal candidate for Thrive. Whether your condition is new or has persisted for years, digital physical therapy offers a non-invasive, clinically proven way forward. There’s no travel, no long waitlists, and no need to guess whether you’re doing the right exercises. Getting started is simple and secure.

Sword Health’s eligibility check takes just a few minutes and helps match you with the right care plan. From there, your dedicated physical therapist will build a tailored recovery path that evolves with you. It’s MSK care that adapts to your life, not the other way around.

Take the first step toward feeling better

Living with MSK pain doesn’t have to be your norm. You don’t have to tolerate discomfort, accept limited mobility, or wait for things to magically improve. There’s a smarter, more effective path to recovery—one that’s backed by clinical expertise, enabled by technology, and rooted in human-centered care.

Sword Health’s Thrive program is designed for people like you: people who are tired of just getting by, who want real progress without unnecessary complexity. Digital physical therapy offers the best of both worlds with both professional care and personal convenience. It gives you the tools and support you need to reduce pain, restore function, and reclaim your life, all from the comfort and privacy of your home.

You’ve already taken the first step by seeking answers. Now it’s time to take action. Relief is within reach and with the right care, so is a better, stronger future.

Check your eligibility today to see if Thrive from Sword can help you on the road to a pain-free life.