Employees of all ages are turning to remote physiotherapy
- Help@hand from Unum facilitated 7,915 physiotherapy appointments in H1 2024 – almost double the number attended in H1 2023.
- 98% of physio appointments were offered to customers within two days of request.
Specialist employee benefits provider, Unum UK, has seen demand rise for remote physiotherapy appointments via Help@hand, with almost 8,000 remote physio appointments facilitated in H1 2024, compared to 4,071 attended in H1 2023.
Additionally, 98% of appointments were offered to users within two days of them placing a request, with back, neck or shoulder issues the most common reason for requesting an appointment.
Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK, commented: “Research by Ascenti1 has shown that early intervention is critical when it comes to musculoskeletal (MSK) concerns and that remote physio sessions are an effective and appropriate method of care for most non-complex MSK conditions, such as sprains and strains, tendonitis, or lower back pain. We’re now seeing employees make the link between these two concepts.”
“Our data shows more and more people opting for digital health and wellbeing services, rather than waiting for in-person appointments. This allows quicker, easier access to physiotherapy, helping to address MSK issues early and reduce the need for prolonged work absences.”
Interestingly, so far in 2024, 13% of all physio appointments held via Help@hand were for over 55s – more than doubling since 2020, when over 55s accounted for just 6% of remote physio appointments. “These days, employers are managing multigenerational workforces,” added Saumya. “As we all become increasingly confident with technology, digital health and wellbeing services can empower employees of every age to take charge of their health.”
“Employees want fast, accessible health and wellbeing experiences that make life easier, delivered by experts they can trust. With a rapidly growing number of people turning to Help@hand to address MSK issues, it’s clear that employers looking to foster happier, healthier and more productive workforces cannot afford to overlook the importance of physiotherapy as part of holistic support to power active ageing for all employees.”