Expert Conversations in PM&R Practice: Digital Rehabilitative Therapy Roundtable-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar introduced digital rehabilitative therapy as a growing tool for musculoskeletal care, hosted by Penn State PM&R and the American Academy of PM&R. The chair emphasized that the session was educational and non-endorsing, designed to help physiatrists understand platforms such as Hinge Health, Limber, and VoriHealth and think about how these services might fit into patient care.<br /><br />Dr. Jeffrey Cross presented Hinge Health, describing it as a payer-funded digital MSK program focused on conservative, upstream care to reduce costly surgeries, imaging, and opioid use. He outlined the patient workflow: employer/health-plan access, digital screening for red flags, personalized exercise therapy, education, coaching, and AI/computer-vision feedback. He also discussed the company’s evidence base, including studies showing reduced opioid prescriptions and lower rates of joint replacements and spinal fusions, and its newer hybrid model with virtual physicians and in-person referral networks.<br /><br />Dr. Mark Gruner described Limber as a hybrid physical therapy model built around home exercise adherence and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). He explained the rationale for CPT reimbursement for coaching and software, highlighted studies showing better home exercise compliance and improved pain/function outcomes, and noted Limber’s integration into clinic EMRs and value-based care arrangements.<br /><br />Dr. Jim Pichtel presented VoriHealth as a physician-led MSK practice that blends virtual and in-person care. He emphasized triage into the right care lane, integrated physician/PT visits, and added support for fall prevention, bone health, pelvic floor care, nutrition, chronic pain, and weight-management support. He shared positive outcomes on pain, function, and adherence.<br /><br />The Q&A focused on compliance, technology barriers, rural access, and device shipping. Panelists agreed that digital rehab works best when it reduces barriers, supports adherence, and complements in-person care.

Keywords

digital rehabilitative therapy

musculoskeletal care

Hinge Health

Limber

VoriHealth

remote therapeutic monitoring

home exercise adherence

virtual physical therapy

pain and function outcomes

value-based care