Explore - Virtual and in-person musculoskeletal healthcare

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Dear Vori

What is an anti-inflammatory diet anyway?

Food can be a powerful medicine when it comes to fighting inflammation. Having an anti-inflammatory meal provides a healthy balance of macronutrients all while meeting the body’s needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.

Article

How Diet, Weight, and Exercise Impact Your Knee Pain

by:

Carolyn Chudy, DO and Domenica Potena PT, DPT

Many older adults suffer from sore, painful knees caused by osteoarthritis. Increased weight and obesity are two of the main risk factors for developing this condition. People who are obese are several times more likely to develop painful knee arthritis during their lifetime, as compared with non-obese individuals. Thankfully body weight is a risk factor that can be improved to not only help prevent arthritis in the first place, but also lower pain if this condition starts to develop.

Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Knee Pain

by:

Michelle Steege, PT and Jim Fiechtl, MD

Your knees bear a lot of your body’s weight – and the causes of knee pain can vary depending on your age, activities, and overall health. Luckily, knee pain can get better without surgery or injections! This guide can help you understand what you are experiencing and the best ways to treat your pain.

Article

What's Your Brain Got to Do With Pain?

by:

Jim Fiechtl, MD and Jared Aguilar, PT

Pain can be a lot of things—stabbing, severe, unrelenting, sudden, aching, nagging…to name a few. We use many words to describe it, and we each talk about it differently. That’s because pain is a deeply personal experience, influenced by much more than just physical changes to your body. Your thoughts, emotions, relationships, experiences (including any prior pain or trauma) all play a big role in how you perceive and cope with pain. Understanding how pain works can help you take control of your symptoms and feel a whole lot better.

Article

An Onion a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

by:

Christi Bowling

RDN

Onions are a vital ingredient in many dishes we enjoy. Sure, they may be a little stinky, and they may make us cry when we slice them, but science shows they may be worth all that extra effort. Not only do onions pack a lot of flavor, they can improve your health and help relieve your muscle and joint pain, too.

Article

6 At-Home Exercises to Help Prevent Falls

by:

Jared Aguilar

If you or a loved one have experienced a fall this year, you're not alone: Each year, approximately three million older adults in the United States are treated in the emergency room for fall injuries. Falling is also the leading cause of injury death for adults 65 and older. In 2019, falls among this age group caused over 34,000 deaths. Unfortunately, falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Success Story

Personalized care—the key to a powerlifter’s knee pain

by:

Vori Health Team

For Jessie Contour, a 32-year-old competitive powerlifter living in Austin, Texas, virtual care at Vori Health was a game changer.

Article

A Comprehensive Guide to Low Back Pain

by:

Michelle Steege

Low back pain is one of the most common types of joint pain worldwide, and most of us will experience it at some point in our lives. While this may sound concerning, it shouldn’t be! Most episodes of low back pain are short-term and low risk. This guide will provide some insight into low back pain, so you are better prepared to manage an episode, should it occur.

Article

7 Ways a Health Coach Can Transform Your Life

by:

Niashani Washington

NBC-HWC, CMT

Have your wellness goals been sitting on the shelf collecting dust? Do you feel stuck when you try to change your habits? How many times have you wished you had someone to hold you accountable and keep you motivated? A health coach believes in you and helps you discover, clarify, and align with your goals. A health coach helps you get unstuck and motivates you to make sustainable changes in your everyday life that get you to your vision of health. Health coaches are key members of our clinical Care Teams at Vori Health and one of the top reasons why members love their experience here.

Article

The Physical Pain of Grief: 4 Things You Can Do To Help

by:

Nisha Kikunga

Grief is a precious gift. It helps us shed layers and get in touch with our more human, authentic, and vulnerable selves. And although grief is a natural part of the human experience, it is also one of the most challenging things we go through as people. Many people think of grief as one-dimensional—as only an emotional experience. But grief is actually a powerful, multifaceted, and typically uncontrollable response to a personally painful or traumatic event that can affect us not only emotionally but also physically. Here we will examine some of the physical symptoms that arise from grief and how to overcome them.

Article

These 5 Things Could Be Making Your Back Pain Worse

by:

Carolyn Chudy

Low back pain is a global problem. It is a top reason people go to see a doctor and a leading cause of disability worldwide. On a personal level, back pain can put a strain on all aspects of life, from your ability to focus on work to your ability to enjoy sports or play with your children or grandchildren. Many factors contribute to the start of back pain. And once you have it, a few everyday activities may be inadvertently making it worse. If you have discomfort that is difficult to relieve, try to avoid these five common pitfalls which could be making your pain stick around for longer than you would like.

Article

5 Foolproof Ways to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

by:

Christi Bowling

RDN

The holiday season is here, which means fun-filled festivities, time with family and friends, and food—lots of food! While making memories should be top of mind, it’s also important to keep an eye on your nutrition this time of year, especially if you are struggling with back, knee, or joint pain.

Article

3 Healthy Soup Recipes that Help Fight Pain

by:

Christi Bowling

RDN

Colder temps are here, and so is soup season! As you fill your bowls, it’s good to know that not all soups are good for what ails you. In fact, some soups can increase inflammation in your body, especially if they include ingredients such as heavy cream, fattier meats, and larger portions of butter. With research on the rise linking these kinds of pro-inflammatory ingredients to increased pain levels, try these three delicious anti-inflammatory options instead.

Article

3 Things Teachers Can Do in the Classroom to Avoid Back Pain

by:

Domenica Potena

Teaching is a selfless profession, in more ways than one. Although it does not seem like a physical job, the endless dedication and day-to-day demands can add up on the body. All the hours of standing, sitting, bending, and shuffling to various activities puts teachers at risk for developing muscle and joint problems—most notably low back pain. The good news is that simple solutions are within reach. Read on for ways teachers can improve how they feel and protect their bodies for years to come.

Success Story

How a Care Team Helped this Member Beat Back Pain

by:

Vori Health Team

For more than a decade, Ruth Shelton, a 68-year-old woman living in Memphis, had been battling debilitating back pain. She was unable to live the life she wanted—until she came to Vori Health.

Article

5 Self-Care Tips to Help Say Goodbye to Seasonal Depression

by:

While fall is full of treats like pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and hot chocolate, it does come with some downsides. For some people, the season beckons the start of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you’re not paying close attention, this condition may sneak up on you and affect the way both your mind and body feel. Read on to learn what SAD is, as well as a few tips to beat it.

Dear Vori

My cartilage is going away and I have bone-on-bone. Is it too late to prevent knee replacement surgery?

by:

Although pictures usually paint a thousand words, your x-rays are not the most powerful part of your joint replacement story—even if they show bone-on-bone. "We treat the patient, not the x-ray," explains Jim Fiechtl, DO, a sports medicine physician at Vori Health. “The right time to have joint replacement surgery, even if you are bone-on-bone, depends on important factors like your age, overall health, and quality of life."

Article

5 Proven Ways to Relieve Back Pain without Pills or Procedures

by:

Neal Gupta

Almost everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. Luckily, lower back pain usually gets better and is unrelated to a serious medical problem. Most individuals who develop back pain do not need to be treated with pills or procedures.

Dear Vori

I have a friend who just had back surgery. Will I need back surgery?

by:

Good news: While a disc injury can be a literal pain, it also has a high chance of healing without surgery. In a study of nearly 400 individuals with disc herniations, more than 90% healed with non-surgical treatment. Even though the first-line treatment for most disc injuries does not involve surgery, it is still important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms, because some rare cases require emergency care.

Dear Vori

Why do I need integrated care for back pain?

by:

Your everyday lifestyle plays an important role in your back pain. Stress, sleep, diet, and more can all affect the pain you feel. This is why we practice a biopsychosocial (or whole-person) approach to back care. We understand that your health is not measured by a single x-ray or lab result, but shaped by a combination of your biology (bio), mindset (psycho), and relationships (social). We work together as a team to see you as a whole person, not just a body part.

Dear Vori

I have a herniated disc. Can I ever pick up my child again without pain?

by:

Although disc injuries are common, their outlook is promising. With standard treatment (a combination of pain control, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy), most people with disc injuries heal without surgery.

Article

You Deserve This 7-Day Self-Care Challenge

by:

Kourtney O’Reilly

NBC-HWC, RYT, Vori Health Coach

How you eat, sleep, think, move, and feel are all connected. Taking time to care for yourself can improve the symptoms you may be feeling and your outlook on life as a whole. If you’re ready to make yourself a priority, but aren't sure where to start, try this 7-day Self-Care challenge.

Article

Understanding CBD: Does it Work for Muscle and Joint Pain?

by:

Frieda Wiley

PharmD

Nowadays, you can’t go anywhere without seeing or hearing something about cannabidiol (CBD). There are so many options—creams, tinctures, salves, lozenges, gummies, you name it—and so many potent claims for its benefits, including muscle and joint pain relief.

Dear Vori

I am so tired and exhausted. Where do I even begin to fix things?

by:

When you're dealing with back pain, it's hard to focus your attention anywhere else. But, other factors in your life may be worsening your symptoms, if not causing them. For example, research shows high stress and a poor diet, among other lifestyle factors, increase your risk for injuries to your discs (the cushions in between the bones of your back). To effectively treat your back pain, your care should include more than just a prescription for your back, explains Holly Krymis, Vori Health's Director of Behavior Change & Health Coaching.

Featured articles

Pain & Opioids: How Inappropriate Care is Fueling a National Crisis

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Hear Vori Health CEO Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, FAANS and David Essary, President of Allstate Benefits, discuss the rising costs of MSK care, why the delivery of care model matters, and how to compare the different offerings in the market for employers/plans.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health to Treat MSK Pain

by:

Finding and Redirecting MSK Members to Doctor-Led Care with Predictive Analytics

by:

Press Releases

Ophelia and Vori Health Partner to Address Pain Management for Patients with Musculoskeletal Conditions

by:

Ophelia and Vori Health partner to improve access to high-quality, safe opioid use disorder (OUD) care services for patients suffering from chronic pain and opioid addiction as well as people in recovery who are looking for opioid-free MSK care.

Progress Notes

Improving Satisfaction & Star Ratings with Accessible MSK Care

by:

Vori Health Team

As the healthcare industry shifts to more value-based and patient-centered care, the issue of access to medical services has surfaced as a critical concern for many Medicare Advantage plan members. To bolster Star ratings in the coming years, MA plans must take swift action to implement solutions that improve access to needed care—especially when it comes to treating back and joint pain.

Progress Notes

3 Ways to Cut the Path from MSK Pain to Opioid Addiction

by:

Mary O'Connor, MD & Arthur Robin Williams, MD

In honor of Pain Awareness Month and Opioid Awareness Day, Vori Health and Ophelia are teaming up to spread awareness of the connection between chronic pain and opioid addiction. Opioid-related overdose deaths have more than doubled in the last six years. The trend is expected to continue, especially as many patients with opioid addiction have struggled to access FDA-approved medications for treatment such as buprenorphine.

Progress Notes

To Lower MSK Costs, First Drive Value to the Patient

by:

Vori Health Team

Value-based care initiatives can only be sustainable if patient outcomes are a top priority. By carefully assessing the impact of solutions on patients, the healthcare industry as a whole can work towards reducing the cost of care while delivering meaningful value.

Progress Notes

Managing Low Back Pain to Improve Productivity in the Workplace

by:

Vori Health Team

Low back pain affects millions of people worldwide and is projected to continue to grow as a leading cause of disability. This increase in prevalence rates leads to a negative impact on employee well-being, workplace productivity, and healthcare utilization—creating significant harm to an employer's bottom line.

Progress Notes

Destigmatizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Digital Health

by:

Vori Health Team

Pelvic floor health is an often neglected aspect of musculoskeletal (MSK) care – leaving individuals with chronic pelvic pain without adequate treatment. To drive change, employers and payers must understand the scope of the issue, bringing the right care to those who have waited decades for relief.

Progress Notes

The Surge of Elective Surgeries: Do People Really Need Them?

by:

Vori Health Team

The COVID-19 pandemic caused healthcare system strain, leading to shortages and delays in elective surgeries. Orthopedic surgeries, like knee and hip replacements, were impacted the most. Now that surgeries are resuming, it's important to consider if there are alternative, cost-effective approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Progress Notes

Evaluating the True Cost of Self-Diagnosis in MSK Care

by:

Vori Health Team

The explosion of internet accessibility opened doors to endless opportunities for learning and discovery. However, what began as an effort to improve healthcare literacy grew into what we now know as “Dr. Google”—a search-engine-based framework fueling self-diagnosis.

Progress Notes

Do Older Adults Embrace Digital MSK Care?

by:

Vori Health Team

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the top causes of physical disability around the world and can impair function at any stage in life. But as the risk of developing muscle and joint pain increases with age, older adults make up a disproportionately large part of the affected population.

Podcast

Vori Voice Podcast, Ep. 1 – What does integrated care have to do with the future of medicine?

by:

As the tides of healthcare shift to value-based care, Integrated Practice Units, or IPUs, are having a moment in the spotlight and for good reason. Studies show they can improve outcomes for a spectrum of clinical conditions from Parkinson’s disease to back pain.

Video

Bright Spots in Healthcare Podcast

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Healthcare leaders from Blue Shield of California, CareSource, UT Health Austin and Vori Health discuss the importance of adopting a whole-person approach across the broader healthcare experience to maximize value, drive healthy behavior change and ensure more equitable care. Learn how to develop an integrated whole-person solution framework and implement strategies to support members with chronic and high-risk conditions.

Article

Sensors vs. Sensorless: Which Tech Wins at Member Engagement?

by:

Vori Health Team

Conflicting responsibilities and inconvenient timing top the list of reasons countless patients cite for skipping in-person PT sessions. Without easier access to a consistent physical therapy program, patients position themselves for suboptimal outcomes which often lead to long-term, higher-cost care.

Article

In Search of Health Equity: How Digital Health Measures Up

by:

Vori Health Team

Digital health solutions stand at the center of many of health equity discussions. The ability to connect with the right clinicians from home ungates convenient, cost-effective, and high-value treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients who normally would struggle to access care.

Progress Notes

How Effective Health Benefits Keep Your Team Happy

by:

Vori Health Team

While 2021 may have been labeled the year of the “Great Resignation,” 2022 proved to be a more volatile year for employers across the nation. Over 50 million employees quit their jobs in 2022, topping 2021’s record-breaking resignation rate by nearly 3 million employees—and this trend is only expected to continue. Now more than ever, employers must evaluate the key internal forces pushing their employees to either stay in their current roles or leave in the hopes of finding a better position.

Press Releases

Vori's Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAAOS, Recognized for Lifelong Diversity Advocacy Efforts by AAOS

by:

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2023 Diversity Award to Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAOA, FAAHKS, FAAOS. The Diversity Award recognizes members of the AAOS who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopedics more representative of, and accessible to, diverse patient populations.

Progress Notes

Driving More Value in MSK with Integrated Hybrid Care

by:

Jim Fiechtl

As the tides of healthcare shift to value-based care, Integrated Practice Units, or IPUs, are being viewed with increasing interest and optimism. And for good reason. Studies show this model of healthcare delivery—which brings an interdisciplinary care team together under one roof to treat a specific medical condition—can drive value for a spectrum of clinical conditions from low back pain to Parkinson’s disease.

Press Releases

Marpai Partners with Vori Health to Offer Value-Based Musculoskeletal Care to Self-Funded Employer Health Plans

by:

Marpai adds industry-leading, doctor-led MSK solution to its Value-Based Care Network for self-funded employer health plans to lower costs and improve member health.

New to Vori Health? Start here

How Does Virtual Physical Therapy Work?

What to Expect from Your First Visit

Why Having a Doctor on Your Care Team is Important

Getting Set Up for Your Video Visit

For your lower back

All posts

What is an anti-inflammatory diet anyway?

How Diet, Weight, and Exercise Impact Your Knee Pain

A Comprehensive Guide to Knee Pain

What's Your Brain Got to Do With Pain?

An Onion a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

6 At-Home Exercises to Help Prevent Falls

Personalized care—the key to a powerlifter’s knee pain

A Comprehensive Guide to Low Back Pain

7 Ways a Health Coach Can Transform Your Life

The Physical Pain of Grief: 4 Things You Can Do To Help

These 5 Things Could Be Making Your Back Pain Worse

5 Foolproof Ways to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

3 Healthy Soup Recipes that Help Fight Pain

3 Things Teachers Can Do in the Classroom to Avoid Back Pain

How a Care Team Helped this Member Beat Back Pain

5 Self-Care Tips to Help Say Goodbye to Seasonal Depression

My cartilage is going away and I have bone-on-bone. Is it too late to prevent knee replacement surgery?

5 Proven Ways to Relieve Back Pain without Pills or Procedures

I have a friend who just had back surgery. Will I need back surgery?

Why do I need integrated care for back pain?​

I have a herniated disc. Can I ever pick up my child again without pain?

You Deserve This 7-Day Self-Care Challenge

Understanding CBD: Does it Work for Muscle and Joint Pain?

I am so tired and exhausted. Where do I even begin to fix things?​

Featured articles

Pain & Opioids: How Inappropriate Care is Fueling a National Crisis

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health to Treat MSK Pain

Finding and Redirecting MSK Members to Doctor-Led Care with Predictive Analytics

Ophelia and Vori Health Partner to Address Pain Management for Patients with Musculoskeletal Conditions

Improving Satisfaction & Star Ratings with Accessible MSK Care

3 Ways to Cut the Path from MSK Pain to Opioid Addiction

To Lower MSK Costs, First Drive Value to the Patient

Managing Low Back Pain to Improve Productivity in the Workplace

Destigmatizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Digital Health

The Surge of Elective Surgeries: Do People Really Need Them?

Evaluating the True Cost of Self-Diagnosis in MSK Care

Do Older Adults Embrace Digital MSK Care?

Vori Voice Podcast, Ep. 1 – What does integrated care have to do with the future of medicine?

Bright Spots in Healthcare Podcast

Sensors vs. Sensorless: Which Tech Wins at Member Engagement?

In Search of Health Equity: How Digital Health Measures Up

How Effective Health Benefits Keep Your Team Happy

Vori's Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAAOS, Recognized for Lifelong Diversity Advocacy Efforts by AAOS

Driving More Value in MSK with Integrated Hybrid Care

Marpai Partners with Vori Health to Offer Value-Based Musculoskeletal Care to Self-Funded Employer Health Plans

People are talking.

When you’re in pain, the right care makes all the difference.

Why do I need integrated care for back pain?

I am so tired and exhausted. Where do I even begin to fix things?