AI-enabled physiotherapy with Sword®
Manulife is proud to partner with Sword to offer this AI-enabled physiotherapy pilot program to eligible group benefits members. Combining expert physiotherapist care with easy-to-use technology, the program helps members experiencing acute or chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions access convenient support, stay engaged in recovery, and work toward better health and return-to-work outcomes.
About the pilot program
Sword is a digital health technology company that offers AI-enabled physiotherapy services through licensed Canadian physiotherapists. Eligible Manulife members can access this program for acute or chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Sword's virtual care model combines expert physiotherapist support with easy-to-use technology, including motion-tracking tools and a mobile app, to help support recovery from the comfort of home.
Eligible members work 1:1 with a licensed Canadian physiotherapist who help them understand their condition, recommend targeted exercises, and create a personalized plan designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and gain confidence doing day-to-day activities.
“When you're dealing with an injury, recovery is about more than healing. It's about getting back to your routine, your work and the people and activities you care about."
- Doug Bryce, Head of Health, Manulife Canada.
What members can expect from the program:
- 1:1 support through virtual appointments
- 3-5 guided exercises per week that can be completed anytime
- step-by-step exercise instructions shared through a Sword-issued tablet, which provides real-time feedback through motion-tracking technology
- access to in-app messaging with a physiotherapist
- regular progress check-ins
Treatment plans are meant to be flexible, and Sword Health physiotherapists can adjust a member plan as needed to better fit their routines and schedules.
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69% of members are free of limiting pain1
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9/10 member satisfaction2
Benefits of an AI-enabled physiotherapy solution
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Personalized support -
Guidance from anywhere at anytime -
Improved mobility and movement -
Pain management support -
Guidance and coaching to help achieve recovery goals
Frequently asked questions
This pilot program is available for a limited time. If an eligible member has been referred to the program by their case manager or functional rehabilitation specialist, Sword will reach out via email to help them get started.
Similar to meeting a physiotherapist in person, members receive guidance, support and targeted exercises. The main difference is everything is delivered virtually, and exercises are guided by digital tools that can be accessed from home. If in-person physiotherapy is made difficult due to travel, long wait times, mobility challenges, or even just due to scheduling conflicts, this program can make accessing treatment easier.
Yes. For some people, this virtual program may replace in-person sessions; for others, it can be used alongside existing care. Eligible members should discuss this with their case manager, functional rehabilitation specialist, and treatment providers to determine what may work best for them.
Sword is a registered trademark of Sword Health Canada LTD. All rights reserved.
1 Sword member base, October 2024 (112k members with outcomes). Of members who enroll with moderate to severe pain and by end of program have no or only mild pain or decrease pain by 30%.
2 Average participant program satisfaction measured on a scale from 0–10, Sword member base, 2024 data.