The Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund of Philadelphia provides healthcare and wellness benefits to thousands of union members and their families across a range of industries. With a long-standing commitment to high-quality, cost-effective care, the Fund supports members through expanded access, personalized support, and a focus on long-term well-being.
The problem
MSK pain was driving unsustainable costs and poor outcomes
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions were a top cost driver for the Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund of Philadelphia, and many members struggled to access traditional, in-clinic physical therapy. Long commutes, rigid work schedules, and limited appointment availability made it hard for members to get care when they needed it.
As a result, MSK issues often escalated into more complex and costly treatment, increasing surgery rates and driving higher overall spend for the Fund.
The solution
Convenient, evidence-based care built for working families
The Teamsters Health Plan selected Sword’s Thrive program after a rigorous review process. Thrive provides virtual physical therapy guided by licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy and supported by Sword’s FDA-listed digital motion sensor.
With personalized treatment plans, real-time feedback, and at-home flexibility, members could complete care on their schedule without sacrificing outcomes. In 2024, the union expanded its offering to include Bloom, Sword’s pelvic health program, reinforcing its commitment to holistic care.
Healthcare outcomes
Members reported less pain, better quality of life, and higher satisfaction
Sword helped Teamsters members reduce pain, improve their ability to function, and complete care on their schedule. More than two-thirds of members reported no longer being in significant pain by the end of the program, and members rated care quality 9.0 out of 10.
I’m a train operator and it’s about 1200 feet from one end to the next. I usually sit when I see a bench and act like I’m looking for something in my bag (just to rest). Now I can walk the entire length of the train without a break.
67%
no longer in pain¹
4.4/5
average session quality
Financial results
A smarter care model with measurable returns
By shifting to a digital-first model, the Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund of Philadelphia reduced its dependence on costly in-person treatment while delivering care that met members where they were. The program helped reduce avoidable care, lowered spend across key MSK cost drivers, and gave the Fund a sustainable path forward. As a result, Sword delivered strong ROI and significant projected savings over the first year.
2.2:1
ROI¹
$607k
Gross savings¹
