The Clinical Outcomes of a Digital First-Line Treatment for Chronic Hip and Knee Pain

Patients undergoing digital first-line treatment for chronic hip and knee pain experience reduced pain, reconsider surgery, and discontinue analgesic medications. But what do these results mean in practice, and what value do they bring to healthcare organizations?

First-Line Treatment for Hip and Knee Pain

Effectively treating chronic joint pain involves minimizing strain on the affected joint. According to national and international guidelines, the recommended first-line treatment consists of:

• Structured exercise supervised by a physical therapist
• Education to enhance patient understanding
• Weight management, when applicable

This comprehensive approach should be offered to all patients, regardless of their stage of osteoarthritis (OA).

Exercise Before Other Treatments Are Considered

Structured exercise—free of side effects, time-efficient, and cost-effective compared to surgery—positively influences cartilage health. It helps regulate cartilage breakdown and stimulates its repair process. As patients strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, they enhance support and reduce joint strain.

However, many individuals with hip and knee pain are initially prescribed pain medications or undergo surgery instead of receiving physical therapy. In many cases, structured exercise could significantly improve symptoms before resorting to invasive interventions.

“One-third of all OA surgeries in the U.S. are deemed inappropriate.”

No Pills. No Surgery. Just Healthier Joints.

Joint Academy connects patients with licensed physical therapists to deliver first-line OA treatment digitally. Developed by leading experts, the program is evidence-based and clinically validated. Research shows that Joint Academy patients experience significant pain reduction, reconsider surgery, and discontinue pain medication.

Key Clinical Outcomes

85% Experience Reduced Joint Pain

Continuous participation in a digital OA treatment program for 6 to 12 months is associated with a clinically significant reduction in joint pain. Research shows that patients using Joint Academy for 30 weeks improve their physical function by an average of 88%.

54% Reconsider Surgery

Preliminary research indicates that 54% of Joint Academy patients reconsider undergoing total joint replacement after engaging in first-line treatment. This evidence highlights the potential for digital treatment to reduce surgical interventions and should be prioritized for patients with chronic hip and knee pain.

42% Discontinue Analgesic Medications

Among individuals with chronic hip and knee pain who completed digital first-line treatment, 42% reported discontinuing pain medication, including both mild painkillers and more invasive treatments such as cortisone injections.

Impact on Healthcare Providers

These outcomes are not only beneficial for patients but also provide significant advantages for healthcare providers, health plans, and employers.

By prioritizing first-line treatment, healthcare systems can:

• Reduce the number of unnecessary joint replacements, lowering overall healthcare costs
• Ensure patients receive the most effective treatment first, avoiding costly and ineffective interventions
• Decrease sick leave and early retirement associated with chronic joint pain

Digital First-Line Treatment for Hip and Knee Pain

To improve accessibility and reduce MSK-related costs, Joint Academy offers a digital clinic that provides:

• Direct access to a licensed physical therapist
• Personalized exercise programs to alleviate pain
• Progress tracking tools for improved patient engagement
• Daily reminders to enhance adherence and optimize results