Although you may not associate joint and muscle pain with a younger population, it is not uncommon for college students to struggle with injury and pain. Based on claims during Wellfleet’s 2023/24 plan year, neck pain, lower back pain, and knee pain were the top diagnoses related to musculoskeletal (MSK) costs. Physical therapy is often recommended to resolve these symptoms.
Although the average wait time for a physical appointment varies, studies show that it can take several weeks for an initial appointment.1 Although some schools offer physical therapy to non-athlete students at their student health centers, students attending schools that don’t provide these services may experience longer wait times because they need to seek care elsewhere. Additionally, there could be other barriers to care, such as transportation and cost.
Wellfleet offers a virtual physical therapy solution
Wellfleet sought a solution to improve ease of access to quality physical therapy and prevention activities that could reduce the cost of care and improve outcomes. As of the 2025/26 plan year, Wellfleet is partnering with Hinge Health to provide a musculoskeletal telehealth benefit to eligible Wellfleet members.
This benefit includes access to an integrated care team, including licensed physical therapists, board-certified health coaches, and orthopedic specialists as needed.
Eligible Wellfleet members have access to virtual physical therapy for acute and chronic care, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, women’s pelvic health support, prevention resources, and expert medical opinion.
In terms of ease of access, members can schedule their first appointment in as little as one day. We have also eliminated financial burden by offering this program at no cost to members.
How the Hinge Health physical therapy app helps students
Hinge Health optimizes engagement through lifestyle coaching and personalized guidance. Additionally, the Hinge Health app includes motion technology that can track movements across over 100 points on the body while the participant is completing exercises and can provide real-time feedback to ensure the exercises are done correctly. These features promote accountability and adherence to help members achieve quality outcomes.
Mental health is a top concern for college students, and chronic musculoskeletal pain and mental health are deeply connected. Individuals with multiple areas of pain complaints across their body are 47% more likely to be depressed.2 Across the Hinge Health book of business, participants report a 68% reduction in pain coupled with 58% reduction in anxiety and depression.3
If you’d like to learn more about Wellfleet’s virtual physical therapy options, contact sales, or explore our virtual physical therapy page.
Resources:
1 Noonan, K., Cruz Jr., A, et al. (2023, November). Delay in Time to Physical Therapy After Orthopaedic Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.jposna.org/index.php/jposna/article/view/649/906.
2 Rongtao, J., Geha, P., Rosenblatt, M. et al (2025, April 2). The inflammatory and genetic mechanisms underlying the cumulative effect of co-occurring pain conditions on depression. Retrieved from https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt1083#
3 Hinge Health. (2025, January 8). 2025 State of Musculoskeletal Care report. Retrieved from https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/press-releases/hinge-health-unveils-2025-state-of-musculoskeletal-care-report/.
