Hinge Health provides virtual physical therapy to get you moving

When Jayne VanderKlok began teaching online courses a few years ago at Kenowa Hills Public Schools, she started noticing some pain in her hip from all the sitting during the long workday.

As time went on, the pain gradually grew worse, spreading to her neck and shoulders. That all changed in January when VanderKlok began using the free MESSA benefit called Hinge Health, a digital clinic that gives you access to personalized physical therapy programs to help overcome joint pain. Using the Hinge Health app, you can have a physical therapy session anytime in the comfort of your home.

“The pain in my hip was significant enough that I would wake up several times in the night because of it,” said VanderKlok, a MESSA member for 31 years. “I was taking Tylenol every night before bed, in addition to using topical rubs to deal with the discomfort. On days I had to travel long distances in a car or plane, I would sometimes experience numbness in my right leg. Now, my hip pain has significantly been reduced and I am getting much better sleep at night.”

Before using Hinge Health, VanderKlok wanted to make an appointment with her doctor to discuss her pain but was not thrilled with the thought of trying to fit physical therapy into her busy schedule.

“In addition to teaching full time, I’m the president of my local teachers’ union,” VanderKlok said. “I have two college-aged children and I also try to help my mom as much as I can. With all of those demands, I didn’t think that fitting in-person physical therapy into an already full schedule was going to work for me.”

When VanderKlok learned about Hinge Health and its virtual physical therapy sessions from her MESSA field representative, Reneé Szurna, her ears perked up. Weeks after performing the exercises five times a week at home, VanderKlok’s pain reduced significantly.

“It’s super convenient because it fits into my schedule,” VanderKlok said. “My son, who is in college, also signed up for Hinge Health. He has struggled with knee pain since he played football and wrestled in high school. The program is good for his schedule as well.”