October 15, 2025 • min read
What is the Sword Thrive Pad and how does it speed up recovery?
Written by

Sword Editorial Team
Experts in pain, movement, and digital health

The Thrive Pad helps you recover faster from home
Living with pain can make everyday life feel smaller. Commutes, meetings, chores, and hobbies become harder when your back, joints, or muscles are not cooperating. Many people know they need help, but traditional care can be tough to access. Appointments require time off work, travel across town, and energy you might not have. It is easy to delay, then weeks turn into months, and pain becomes part of the routine.¹
The Sword Thrive Pad was built to change that story. It brings AI physical pain care into your home, guided by a dedicated Doctor of Physical Therapy, so recovery becomes accessible, consistent, and personal. With the newest generation of the Sword Thrive tablet experience, we took what we learned from millions of sessions and created a smarter, more intuitive device designed for real life.²
What is the Sword Thrive Pad?

The Sword Thrive Pad is the FDA-listed tablet that powers Thrive, Sword’s AI physical pain care program. The Pad’s in-built wide-angle cameras use computer vision so Phoenix, our AI care agent, can see how you move. You get visual and audio guidance in real time to help you complete your exercises correctly. You follow along on a bright display that shows what to do and how to do it, then you get quick feedback on your form and progress.²
The Thrive Pad is a dedicated device that arrives ready for recovery, so you can start sessions without juggling apps or hardware.
How does the Thrive Pad work to help you recover at-home?
The Thrive Pad analyzes your movement as you exercise. Phoenix gives clear visual and audio cues to help you adjust, like softening your knees or aligning your hips. You press start, follow along, and get encouragement when you nail a rep. You also get simple corrections when you need them.²
People often search for a Sword Thrive tablet or Sword Health tablet. That is the Thrive Pad. It is a reliable recovery partner that remembers where you left off and keeps every session focused and supportive.
What is the Sword Thrive Kit?
Alongside the Thrive Pad, many members receive the Sword Thrive Kit. This kit rounds out your setup for effective physical therapy at home. The Thrive Kit makes sessions simple to start and easy to repeat. The exact contents can vary by program, but typically include items like a stable device stand, placement guides, and accessories for safe, comfortable movement at home.²
The kit includes the Thrive Pad tablet, charging cables, a tablet stand to hold the device in place, and written instructions to help you set up.

How do you set up the Sword Thrive Pad and get started
The kit is intentionally straightforward. You place the Pad in its stand, position yourself where the on-screen guide suggests, and begin your session. The stand keeps the Thrive Pad tablet stable. The dual cameras capture your movement clearly at a comfortable distance. The accessories help you stay consistent with a repeatable routine in the same spot each time.²
If you have a small living space, the Thrive Pad still works easily. The wide-angle cameras built into the tablet capture full-body motion even when you are relatively close to the device. If you prefer to move rooms, the kit makes it quick to pick up, set down, and continue without fuss.²
How does the Thrive Pad make physical therapy easier
Traditional recovery can work, but it often asks a lot from you. Appointments book up quickly. Traffic and parking add friction. Paper handouts can leave you wondering if you are doing things correctly. When life gets busy, the first thing to go is the routine that does not fit. That stop-and-start pattern makes progress hard to see, so motivation fades. Many people wait until pain is severe before trying again, and by then the path back is longer.¹
This is not a motivation problem. Thrive removes the time, access, and confidence barriers that make in-clinic recovery difficult. The Sword Thrive Pad and Sword Thrive Kit are designed to help you start sooner and stay consistent.
- No commute: Sessions happen at home when you are ready.²
- No guesswork: Phoenix and your DPT provide real-time form correction on screen.² ³
- No isolation: You have built-in support and quick messaging for coaching and adjustments.² ³
Thrive brings clinic-grade guidance into your living room. That shift changes everything. Your personalized care plan is created by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and updated based on your progress data from each session. This helps you recover faster with the ongoing support of a qualified specialist. When care is easier to access and easier to follow, people complete more sessions, and more sessions lead to better outcomes.³
What is the newest version of the Thrive Pad?
The new Thrive Pad builds on the success of our first-generation device. It has already powered millions of therapy sessions and over 500 million minutes of recovery time. That scale gave us real-world insights into what works and what could be even better.
The result is a more powerful, engaging experience that keeps people on track, builds confidence, and strengthens their progress.We upgraded the hardware so your experience is clearer, steadier, and more responsive.
- 10-inch high-brightness display for easy-to-follow visuals.
- Dual wide-angle cameras for accurate full-body motion capture at close range.
- Dual microphones with echo cancellation so Phoenix hears you clearly.
- Redesigned stand that is stable and simple to set up.
- Faster chipset and larger battery for smooth sessions and fewer charges.
These changes are not about fancy specs. They are about confidence and momentum. When the sword health tablet makes each session smooth, it is easier to come back the next day.
We invested 63% more per device because we prioritize members over margins. While some competitors are cutting physical devices to save costs, we doubled down on innovation, because better tools mean better care.
What does a typical Thrive session look like?
Your session starts on the Pad. Phoenix welcomes you, your plan loads, and you see the first movement on screen. You position yourself in front of the device, press start, and follow the guided instructions. The cameras and AI track your movement and show you how to adjust, like softening your knees or aligning your hip. Your DPT has already tailored the range, tempo, and difficulty, so each set feels achievable.
After a few minutes, you will notice a steady rhythm. Phoenix encourages what you are doing well and gives simple cues to improve what needs attention. You can pause if you need a break, then continue when ready. At the end, you will see a quick summary of what you completed. Your DPT reviews your data, then refines the plan to keep you progressing.² ³
Why you need to act early on pain
Pain that lingers can change how you move and how you feel. Guarding a sore joint can strain another area. Skipping activity can reduce strength and confidence. Over time, these changes can spiral, affect sleep and mood, and make work or family tasks harder. Acting early interrupts that pattern. It protects mobility, preserves energy, and reduces the chance that temporary pain becomes a chronic problem.¹ ⁴ ⁵
Digital care platforms like Thrive also make it easier to maintain a routine. When people complete more sessions, they build stronger habits and see greater gains. That is where the thrive tablet and sword thrive kit help most, by helping you to stay consistent with your recovery plan.³ Independent and internal studies of digital MSK programs have shown that Thrive delivers:
- better results than high-intensity in-person PT: 30% better recovery and stronger engagement³
- important mental health benefits: 64% reduction in depression and 50% reduction in anxiety levels⁴ ⁵
- meaningful improvements in pain and function: 67% of members pain-free³
Members tell us the biggest difference is how manageable the program feels. Sessions are focused and achievable, and the guidance is specific enough to build confidence. Over time, that consistency leads to fewer bad days and more days that feel like you again.³ ⁴
Thrive members reviews speak for themselves
Beyond the clinical outcomes and cost savings, what matters most is how Thrive changes daily life for members. Here are some of the ways people describe their experience:
"I can’t believe how easy it is to follow. The Thrive Pad shows me what to do, and Phoenix keeps me on track. For the first time, I actually look forward to my sessions.”
"I used to dread going to appointments. Now, I finish my recovery in my living room and feel more supported than ever.”
"Thrive gave me my life back. My pain is under control, and I can keep up with my kids again.”
These voices reflect what sets Thrive apart: it is not just about pain relief, it is about restoring confidence, independence, and energy. Members appreciate that recovery fits into their lives rather than forcing them to rearrange everything around it.
What about privacy and safety using the Thrive Pad?
Your privacy matters. The Sword Thrive Pad is used at home, your data is encrypted, and your information is handled according to strict privacy and security standards. Your DPT monitors your progress and checks in through the app. If something does not feel right, you can pause, message your clinician, and adjust your plan together.² ³
How do you get started with Thrive?
- Check eligibility and enroll. If your plan includes Sword, getting started takes minutes.
- Receive your Sword Thrive Kit and Pad. Unbox, place the Pad in its stand, and connect to Wi-Fi.²
- Complete your first session. Phoenix will guide your setup, then you follow your plan at your own pace.
- Stay consistent. Short, regular sessions create the biggest change. Your DPT will fine tune the plan as you progress.
If you can give Thrive a few focused minutes most days, the sword thrive tablet will do the rest, from coaching your form to helping you build a routine you can stick with. The Sword Thrive Kit and Thrive Pad are built to remove barriers, improve follow through, and make recovery part of normal life.
Start your recovery now from the comfort of home
You do not have to live with pain or wait for relief. With the Sword Thrive Pad and Sword Thrive Kit, recovery starts at home on your schedule with expert guidance built in. The sooner you begin, the sooner your body remembers how to move well again.
You might even be covered for Thrive already within your employee benefits or health plan. Check your coverage now (it only takes a few moments) and get started on your recovery right away.
FAQs about the Sword Thrive Pad and Thrive Kit
Is the Sword Thrive Pad the same as the Sword Thrive tablet?
Yes. When you hear people refer to the Sword Thrive tablet, Thrive tablet, or Sword Health tablet, they are all referring to same device. It is the dedicated tablet designed to guide you through your personalized recovery program.
What comes in the Sword Thrive Kit?
The Thrive Kit includes the Sword Thrive Pad (tablet), a stable stand to hold the device, and accessories that make setup simple. Depending on your program, you may also receive items to support specific exercises. Everything is designed so you can begin recovery at home with ease.
How do I set up the Thrive Pad at home?
Setup is simple. Place the Thrive Pad in its stand, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on-screen instructions. The wide-angle cameras will guide your positioning, and Phoenix, your AI care agent, will walk you through your first session.
Do I need a big space to use the Thrive tablet?
No. The dual wide-angle cameras capture full-body movement even in smaller spaces. Many members use their Thrive Pad in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
What if I am not very tech-savvy?
The Thrive Pad was designed to be very easy to set up and use. The large screen, clear instructions, and supportive prompts make it easy to follow along. If you ever get stuck, your care team can walk you through setup and troubleshooting.
How long are the sessions?
Most sessions last around 10–20 minutes. They are designed to fit into your day without overwhelming your schedule.
What if I feel pain during a session?
You can pause at any time. Use the app to message your Doctor of Physical Therapy, who will review your progress and adjust your plan if needed. If you experience new or severe pain, you should also reach out to your healthcare provider.
Is my data secure?
Yes. The Sword Thrive Pad encrypts your data and complies with strict privacy and safety standards in the U.S. and abroad. Your information is only used to support your care and improve your outcomes.
Does the Thrive Pad need to be charged often?
The new Pad has a larger battery and improved chipset for longer-lasting use. Most members find they only need to charge it occasionally. It also supports fast USB-C charging for convenience.
Can I travel with the Thrive tablet?
Yes. You can take your Pad with you. It is lightweight, and sessions can be completed anywhere with Wi-Fi and enough room to move safely.
Join 500,000+ people using Sword to end their pain
Sword’s at-home care plans may already be covered by your employer, health insurer, or union at $0 cost to you
Footnotes
¹ Dieleman JL, et al. United States health care spending by payer and health condition, 1996 to 2016. JAMA. 2020;323(9):863–884.
² Sword Health. Meet Thrive Pad: recovery just got smarter. Company article and device specifications. 2024.
³ Correia R, et al. Engagement and outcomes with AI-supported digital musculoskeletal care. npj Digital Medicine. 2023;6:121. & 67% of members who enroll in our programs with moderate to severe pain and by the end of the program have only mild or no pain. Sword BoB H1 2023
⁴ Ferreira AS, et al. Digital MSK care and anxiety improvement in adults with pain. Healthcare. 2022;10(8):1595.
⁵ Almeida GP, et al. Digital MSK care and depression outcomes. Journal of Pain Research. 2022;15:53–66.
⁵ Sci Rep . 2018 Jul 26;8(1):11299. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29668-0. and JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol . 2019 Jun 21;6(1):e14523. doi: 10.2196/14523.