Acute vs chronic MSK conditions: What's the difference?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are one of the most common causes of disability, lost productivity, and pain. In fact, the majority of adults will develop an MSK issue at some point in their lives.

Whether acute or chronic, it’s important to treat MSK pain promptly and properly before the condition worsens and leads to even more serious problems (and bigger medical expenses) later on. Some physical therapy solutions are designed to address only chronic MSK conditions. At Sword Health, we believe acute MSK pain needs to be taken as seriously as chronic disorders. Supporting members at every stage of their healing journey helps them stay healthy and helps companies to control healthcare spend.

In this article, we’ll learn about the difference between acute and chronic MSK disorders, and explain how physical therapy can help achieve better outcomes.

What is an acute musculoskeletal condition?

Acute MSK conditions are ones that develop suddenly and usually last only for a short period of time. A very common example is a sprained ankle as a result of an accidental fall. Other examples include a bone fracture, dislocated shoulder, or a torn tendon.

Acute MSK injuries are often (but not always) presented as severe, perhaps even excruciating pain. As such, they require immediate medical attention to relieve pain and mitigate any complications that might develop later on.

A “sub-acute” injury refers to the timeline involved, not the severity. A condition enters the sub-acute phase after the initial acute injury or pain, usually three days. A sub-acute condition can be just as painful as an acute condition.

What is a chronic musculoskeletal condition?

Chronic MSK conditions are long-term conditions that persist over time and can involve continuous or intermittent symptoms. Common examples include arthritis, repetitive strain injury (RSI), tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and low back pain.

Living with a chronic MSK condition often means living with chronic pain for months or years, which can severely affect quality of life, productivity, and mental health.

What is the difference between acute and chronic MSK conditions?

The main difference between acute and chronic MSK conditions is the duration of symptoms experienced by the patient. Acute MSK conditions last a few days or weeks, and usually do not require lengthy treatments. Conversely, chronic MSK conditions can afflict individuals for months or years, and often require long-term treatment and prescription medication to manage. They can result in prolonged pain, disability, and poor quality of life if not properly addressed.

Acute conditions can become chronic conditions when the pain or dysfunction lasts more than 12 weeks. The most common reason why an acute condition may become chronic is not getting the proper treatment during the acute phase. This is why it’s critical that people in pain get the right care at the right time before the condition leads to more pain, longer treatments, and more costs.

At Sword, we offer care for both acute and chronic conditions because we know that addressing MSK issues early on means better health outcomes and fewer expenses, for both employees and employers.

Can physical therapy help both acute and chronic MSK conditions?

Yes. Physical therapy is a commonly recommended treatment for acute and chronic MSK conditions with proven benefits, including pain relief, increased mobility and strength, and reduced reliance on surgery and medication.

Sword Health offers a digital physical therapy solution that addresses the full spectrum of care, from acute to chronic to post-operative recovery. Every member is matched with a licensed doctor of physical therapy who customizes a treatment plan for each individual based on their specific injury, goals and challenges. This high-touch care model is one reason Sword has the highest engagement and adherence rates in the digital PT space.

Sword Thrive: digital physical therapy for acute and chronic pain

When musculoskeletal (MSK) pain gets in the way of life, Sword Thrive is an ideal program designed to help people recover from both acute and chronic pain from the comfort of home.

Thrive is our world-class Digital Physical Therapy solution, designed to help people recover from flare-ups, prevent pain from becoming chronic, and regain lasting function.

Unlike traditional care, where people may wait weeks for a referral or drop out after just a few clinic sessions, Thrive meets you where you are. Every member is paired with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy who personalizes a recovery plan based on your pain, lifestyle, and goals. Using motion sensors and our Digital Therapist, you’ll complete guided sessions at home with real-time feedback. Your plan adapts as you progress, ensuring your care is always effective.

No crowded clinics. No long delays. Just expert care built around you, helping you move freely and prevent today’s pain from becoming tomorrow’s chronic condition.

Thrive works to stop both acute and chronic pain

• For acute pain: Thrive provides fast access to care, helping you manage flare-ups from injuries, strains, or overuse before they spiral into long-term problems. Early, guided therapy keeps recovery on track.
• For chronic pain: Thrive empowers you with consistent, expert-led therapy that addresses underlying movement patterns, builds strength, and reduces pain over time. Members with ongoing conditions like sciatica or herniated discs report significant reductions in pain, medication use, and even surgery intent.

One member put it simply:

“I battled a shoulder injury for years and even had surgery in 2017 but I was still in pain. With Sword, I am pain free with a full range of movement that I didn’t have before!” – Donnie, Sword Thrive member

How Thrive works

1. Tell us about your pain: Share whether you’re dealing with a new injury or a condition that’s been with you for years. We tailor your care from day one.
2. Work with your dedicated clinician: A Doctor of Physical Therapy designs and adjusts your plan as you recover.
3. Use your Thrive kit at home: Receive a tablet, motion sensors, and everything you need for guided sessions.
4. Recover with real-time support: Complete exercises on your schedule, with feedback that ensures every movement is safe and effective.

How Thrive helps you heal

• Targeted support for common acute and chronic MSK conditions: From low back pain and tendinitis to joint pain and flare-ups of old injuries.
• Relief for everyday aches: Long hours at a desk, on your feet, or recovering after surgery.
• Support when other care hasn’t worked: Thrive adapts as you progress, so you’re never stuck in the same routine.
• Sustainable recovery: With 81% completion rates in our high-intensity programs, members stay engaged and see lasting results.

Get started with Thrive to end your pain

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of disability and cost in the U.S.¹. Left untreated, acute pain often becomes chronic—and chronic pain drives lost productivity, higher costs, and reduced quality of life. Thrive changes that trajectory.

By combining licensed clinical expertise with digital innovation, Thrive delivers results:

• 67% of members are pain free by program end²
• Up to 70% reduction in surgery intent³
• 47% stop taking painkillers⁴
• 68% increase in productivity⁵

With Thrive, you don’t just manage pain, you can stop it for good. See if you're already eligible for Thrive within your health plan.