The power of pain relief: meet Sword member Heidi

Heidi's passion is for helping others. But after working as a registered dialysis nurse for 17 years, Heidi developed hand and wrist pain that prevented her from caring for her patients the way she always had.

"Before Sword, I couldn't even hold a pen. As a dialysis nurse, I have to cannulate patients, which means I have to form a pinching motion, and I was struggling with that pinch to put the necessary needles in."

Heidi's pain was affecting more than just her work life. A dedicated swimmer, biker, and grandmother, Heidi stays active in her personal life.

She also loves horseback riding. I was having trouble with my grip on my right hand, which is my reigning hand to control my horse. To combat the pain, Heidi tried pain medication and even visited an orthopaedist. I went to see an orthopaedic doctor, and he put a very painful injection in my wrist, which I didn't get a lot of relief from.

It wasn't until she tried digital physiotherapy through Sword Health that Heidi found the relief she was looking for.

Heidi was initially interested in Sword because it was a program she could do at home anytime.

Sword was offered through my company, and it was an at-home program which I enjoyed because I have a very busy schedule. I was able to do it on my own time. I could do it in the morning, I could do it after work, I could do it whenever I wanted. And it was very easy to follow all the instructions.

The same day Heidi enrolled, she heard from her dedicated Physiotherapist. That day, I went through everything with her. She set up my exercise program. I liked being able to text and talk. She also appreciated the in-app educational content available through the Sword Academy, which allowed her to learn about other common musculoskeletal issues and how to prevent them.

And she loved that the program was covered by her health plan with no additional cost to her:

There was no out-of-pocket expense for me, which was great. I didn't have any deductibles to pay, and I didn't have a bill looming over my head; traditional physiotherapy in the outpatient setting requires copays."

Today, Heidi can do more than just hold a pen. She can care for her patients and enjoy horseback riding, all without pain, surgery, or medication.

I no longer go home and cry trying to get to sleep because my hand hurts so bad!"

And Heidi still does her PT exercises, finding a way to fit them into her busy schedule. To this day," she says, "I'll be driving to work, and I'll be doing the exercises in my car!"

Now, in the face of pain, Heidi knows where to turn—and she's spreading the word. I tell all my coworkers when they complain about pain to call up Sword!"

Start Sword’s personalized physiotherapy from home

A licensed physiotherapist builds your program around your condition. No referrals, no wait lists. Many Canadian benefits plans cover Sword.

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How Sword supports recovery from home

Sword Health offers a digital physiotherapy program designed to help reduce pain and improve movement. It combines personalized exercises, smart technology, and support from licensed physiotherapists, all delivered at home through an easy to use Sword app. Members get audio and visual feedback from the Sword app to help correct their form and get the most out of each exercise.

Unlike a clinic-based program where you attend appointments twice a week and manage alone in between, Sword works around your schedule. You are supported by a licensed physiotherapist who oversees your care, checks in regularly, and adjusts your plan as you progress. The care does not stop when the appointment ends.

Most Canadians with employer group benefits have physiotherapy coverage they have never touched. Not because they do not need it. Because the card sat in the wallet and the questions felt like too much to sort out before they had even started. If you are not sure whether your plan includes coverage for Sword, check your coverage now and you can get started on your recovery plan right away.