Evidence to guide smarter health decisions

Musculoskeletal cost savings you can see this year

Across large populations, unnecessary MSK surgery often results from identifying high-risk members too late in the care journey. When average employee tenure is less than a year, savings that take multiple years to materialize are difficult to rely on. MSK is different. Surgical escalation can happen quickly, and procedures like injections and surgery are among the largest drivers of near-term MSK spend. This whitepaper explains how Sword's AI Care reduces unnecessary surgery within the plan year by combining evidence-based digital physical therapy with proactive identification of members at risk of escalation. The result is earlier access to conservative care, fewer low-value procedures, and more reliable near-term cost impact.

December 18, 2025 • 1 min read

Proactive care that prevents escalation

Proactive care models that engage members earlier can reduce escalation and avoidable MSK costs within the plan year. Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a hidden cost driver impacting so many employers and health insurers. Often starting as mild discomfort, MSK issues like back, neck pain, knee, and shoulder issues can escalate into chronic pain, productivity loss, and costly surgeries. But what if you could stop this progression early? This Sword white paper outlines why many MSK claims are avoidable and how Sword Move delivers proactive care to slash MSK healthcare spend.

August 26, 2025 • 2 min read

Supporting GLP-1 outcomes at scale

As GLP-1 adoption accelerates, organizations are grappling with how to support patient outcomes while avoiding new clinical risks and downstream costs. GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity care. Without addressing inactivity and muscle loss, employers risk a new wave of MSK claims. Up to 70% of GLP-1 users discontinue use within a year1, and many regain weight after treatment ends. Movement is the missing link to lasting results, improved quality of life, and sustainable cost control. GLP-1s can cost employers up to $10,000 per member annually2, yet many of these dollars are going to members without long-term habit change.

June 2, 2025 • 2 min read

Highmark Gated Case Study

Since partnering with Sword Health in 2022, the top health plan has seen staggering results. We’re excited to share the full story behind the projected $30M1 in healthcare savings for 2024 - and how you can learn from their success. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the number one cause of chronic pain in the US2. Traditional physical therapy leaves 50% of patients dropping out after four sessions3. This compromises an efficient recovery, with many people continuing to suffer from physical pain and conditional movement. As a large health insurer in the U.S., covering more than 7 million members, our client was committed to finding a solution: after a robust evaluation process, they selected Sword Thrive as their MSK care solution - a resource available for their health plan members. Through Sword, members get access to world-class clinical care for MSK related conditions from the comfort of home (or wherever they are).

May 20, 2025 • 2 min read

The ROI case for pelvic health

Pelvic health is a high-impact but historically under-addressed category, and organizations are increasingly evaluating its potential to deliver measurable cost savings. Pelvic health has long been ignored by medicine. Conditions like incontinence, pelvic pain, and bowel dysfunction are often dismissed—leaving millions of women untreated. Sword Health’s digital pelvic health solution, Bloom, is changing that. Backed by a third-party validated claims analysis, this white paper reveals how Bloom delivers both financial impact and life-changing outcomes.

April 2, 2025 • 2 min read

Winning CFO buy-in for digital MSK

MSK programs often stall not because they lack impact, but because they fail to resonate with financial leadership. Today’s CFOs are under pressure to control healthcare spend, reduce financial risk, and improve operational efficiency. All of this while supporting a healthier, more productive workforce. This white paper gives benefits leaders the insights and tools to frame Sword Health as more than a benefit — but a strategic investment with measurable P&L impact.

March 4, 2025 • 1 min read

MSK and mental health

MSK pain and mental health challenges frequently reinforce each other, yet are still treated as separate problems in care delivery. Depression and chronic pain fuel one another and when left unaddressed together, they lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs. This whitepaper outlines the link between MSK and mental health, shares data from Sword’s dual-approach solution, and quantifies how integrated care improves outcomes and reduces opioid use, surgery intent, and total MSK spend. Download the report to see how integrated care for MSK pain and mental health drives clinical and financial ROI.

December 12, 2024 • 1 min read

AI’s equity problem in healthcare

As AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, concerns are growing about who benefits and who is left behind. AI is more than a breakthrough in efficiency — it’s a critical tool in the fight for health equity. This report outlines how Sword Health is using AI to close care gaps, personalize treatment across populations, and improve outcomes for people historically left behind by the healthcare system. You’ll also get a candid look at the risks of biased AI — and the steps we’re taking to ensure fairness, transparency, and real impact.

July 10, 2024 • 2 min read

Equity gaps in pelvic health care

Pelvic health conditions affect millions, yet access to appropriate care remains deeply uneven. Millions of women live with pelvic health conditions — but for many, care is inaccessible. From long wait times to social stigma and financial constraints, these barriers have created a silent epidemic in women’s health. This report reveals how Bloom is helping change that. With clinical-grade care delivered digitally, Bloom makes pelvic health support more accessible across age, income, and geography — while delivering cost savings and better outcomes at scale.

June 10, 2024 • 1 min read