Comparing Digital to Conventional Physical Therapy for Chronic Shoulder Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Overview

Conducted in partnership with the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Center at University of California, San Francisco, this study demonstrates that Sword’s digital physical therapy (PT) program for chronic shoulder pain can promote the same levels of recovery as the highest-quality in-person PT—with no difference in primary outcomes (disability improvement) or secondary outcomes (pain, anxiety, depression, analgesic intake and surgery intent). By proving that Sword’s digital care program is just as effective as in-person care—yet more accessible and engaging—this study establishes Sword as the benchmark solution for people living with shoulder pain.