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RecoveryOne Names Brian Harrigan as EVP

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Company Attracts Seasoned Sales Leader to Executive Team

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 6, 2021) – RecoveryOne, a leading innovator in evidence-based solutions that personalize and improve the path to recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, today announced the appointment of Brian Harrigan as Executive Vice President of Employer Sales & Client Success.

Harrigan joins RecoveryOne as the company recently completed a successful Series C funding round that resulted in a $33 million cash infusion.

In his new role, Harrigan is responsible for formulating RecoveryOne’s go-to-marketing strategy for the self-insured employer channel. He will lead efforts to develop the necessary infrastructure and build the team required to drive sales and expand program enrollment while nurturing and engaging existing clients.

Harrigan most recently served as Chief Sales Officer for Health Advocate. His considerable professional pedigree includes two decades of sales leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

“Brian is a great fit for this position,” said RecoveryOne CEO Mark Luck Olson. “His deep understanding of the marketplace will help us expand our self-insured employer client base while maintaining the high level of engagement that our clients have come to expect. His experience will be an important asset to our team as we add the employer segment to our health plan home base.”

Harrigan added, “I am excited to be a part of the RecoveryOne team. The RecoveryOne solution is a unique combination of individualized evidence-based care and innovative technology. I see such a significant need for this type of affordable solution that improves outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. It is really motivating to be part of a team that is bringing such a powerful value proposition to the market.” 

About RecoveryOne

RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Calming your mind and body

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Pain helped early humans survive. When they felt pain, they saw it as a threat they needed to escape quickly. When you’re always in pain, though, your “high alert” system remains on for too long. You feel stressed and your muscles stay tense, which ends up making your pain even worse. Learning to calm your mind can help you reduce pain.

There are three ways to calm your mind: breathing slowly, being mindful, and using imagery. Though you can do these things almost anywhere, anytime, it can be helpful to set up a schedule to practice them. You could even do a short breathing, mindfulness, or imagery practice before or after your RecoveryOne exercise session. The better you get at calming your mind, the less tension and pain you’ll feel.

Slow, deep breathing is something that can help you relax quickly, and you can do it almost anywhere. All you have to do is breathe in through your nose for two counts and out through your mouth for four counts. Breathe deeply while keeping your chest and shoulders stable. Repeat this a few times and notice how it makes you feel.

Being mindful — you’ve probably heard of it as “mindfulness” — is not as complex as it sounds. It means being aware of your senses, thoughts, and feelings in the present moment, as they happen. To practice mindfulness, sit or lie down, close your eyes, and notice your thoughts. Do your best not to judge or analyze them; let them float away like clouds. Try setting a timer to practice for two or three minutes each day, and increase the time as you get better.

One more tactic to relax your mind and body is to use imagery, or to picture yourself in a calm place. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and imagine a time or place that makes you feel at peace. This tactic works best when you use all of your senses. How does it feel to be in this place? What can you hear, see, smell, and taste? If you need some ideas, picture yourself lying on a warm beach, walking in a peaceful rainforest, swimming in a balmy pool, or taking a tranquil bubble bath. Learning to calm your mind and body can lessen the impact of stress and help with pain. Slow breathing, being mindful, and using imagery are simple methods that you can add to your daily routine. Your body will thank you for the small efforts you make to deal with stress.

RecoveryOne Closes $33 Million Series C Financing

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Company to Scale Business and Accelerate Market Expansion Efforts

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (September 14, 2021) – RecoveryOne, a leading innovator in evidence-based solutions that personalize and improve the path to recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, today announced completion of a $33 million Series C funding round co-led by Cobalt Ventures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), and TELUS Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Canadian telecommunications and health technology company TELUS. The Series was rounded out by Cigna Ventures, 7wireVentures, and Leverage Health Solutions.

As the largest provider of digital musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery programs for payers and their members, in addition to widely supporting employer populations, RecoveryOne will utilize the investment capital to fuel continued growth in the payer and employer markets.

Since the company’s founding, RecoveryOne has established their solution as the exemplar for full-body musculoskeletal (MSK) recovery by concentrating efforts on consumer satisfaction, engagement, clinical outcomes, and recovery rates. As a result, they created an unparalleled experience and simultaneously demonstrated significant savings in total medical costs, which have been independently measured by RecoveryOne clients in case-matched, risk-adjusted studies.

“Excelling at MSK care delivery is our mission,” said RecoveryOne CEO Mark Luck Olson. “Our sustained efforts to transform the recovery journey have brought us to this moment where we can clearly see the powerful impact we have on the lives of those suffering from MSK conditions. We are creating ongoing value for consumers, caregivers, health plans, and payers, so this funding round will help us to scale those efforts and extend our impact far beyond the 60+ clients and nearly three million consumers under contract today.”

David Eichler, Cobalt Ventures President and Managing Partner added, “Digital health innovations that lower total cost of care for payers while improving access, engagement and experience for members are a natural extension of our healthcare portfolio. We foresee great opportunities for our partnership with RecoveryOne”.

Mario Mele, TELUS Ventures Vice President of Corporate Strategy commented, “We are impressed with the clear vision shared across the RecoveryOne team. We invest in disruptive, market-transforming companies to help drive better health outcomes. RecoveryOne has tapped into a critical and ongoing market need by delivering an innovative, effective, and affordable solution that is making a difference in people’s lives and will continue to do so in the future.”

The Series C funding builds on a groundbreaking year for RecoveryOne in terms of growth across employer populations. These advances are demonstrated by employer renewals and retention rates of over 90%. In addition, the RecoveryOne virtual MSK program was included as a standard benefit by a major national payer, designed to improve the cost and quality of care at scale for millions of members.

About RecoveryOne

RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Cobalt Ventures, LLC
Cobalt Ventures, LLC is the strategic venture capital arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in Missouri and the only not-for-profit commercial health insurer in Kansas City. Cobalt invests in high growth companies that align with Blue KC’s mission and can scale nationally across the payer industry.  Cobalt actively partners with entrepreneurs in bringing innovative solutions to healthcare that increase overall quality, improve outcomes, and lower costs for customers and members.  More information about Cobalt Ventures can be found at http://www.cobalt-ventures.com.

About TELUS Ventures

As the strategic investment arm of TELUS Corporation (TSX: T, NYSE: TU), TELUS Ventures is one of Canada’s most active corporate venture capital funds. TELUS Ventures invests globally in companies from Seed to Pre-IPO with a focus on innovative technologies such as AgTech, HealthTech, Connected Consumer, IoT, AI, and Security to actively drive new solutions across the TELUS ecosystem. Led by a team of experienced operators, investors and executives, the Ventures team is passionate about creating positive social impact through financial tools and has invested in more than 90 companies since inception.

For more information please visit: ventures.telus.com.

Media Contacts:

RecoveryOne
Monique Garrett
mgarrett@prismworksonline.com
484-363-1773

Cobalt Ventures, LLC
Kelly Cannon
Kelly.Cannon@BlueKC.com
816-395-3711

TELUS
Jill Yetman
jill.yetman@telus.com
416-992-2639

Low back pain: Everyone’s getting it!

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Have you ever had low back pain? Odds are, you have. Per the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 to 70 percent of people in high-income countries will have low back pain at least once in their lives. There are many causes for low back pain, so you should always consult with your doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious. That said, there are many things you can do to better understand your pain and work to relieve it.

To start, try to notice what caused or causes your pain and what your symptoms are. Your acute (sudden and short-lasting) low back pain could be linked to poor posture; sleeping oddly; or soreness that lingers after you do too much yardwork, pilates, or other intense activity. With low back pain from these causes, your back muscles might feel tight and tender to the touch. You could also have pain when you move in a certain way or stay in the same position for too long. You may have soreness in your hip or leg, decreased motion on one side, leg weakness with long periods of movement, or pain that affects your sleep. Your symptoms can be on one or both sides.

When you observe your symptoms, look out for any signs that mean you should seek medical care ASAP. These could be signs of something deeper than simple soreness, like nerve damage. Here are some red flags that may come with low back pain:

  • Numbness or tingling in your leg
  • Weakness in your leg that doesn’t come from prolonged movement
  • Your leg gives way while walking
  • Shooting, electric, or gnawing pain that goes down your leg
  • Pain that is constant and/or severe

Now for the best part: what to expect as you get better! Sometimes, back pain can go away on its own if you rest and avoid things that make your symptoms worse. Often, though, it takes special treatments to get better. These treatments include:

  • Using ice or heat
  • Putting on creams that numb your skin or reduce inflammation
  • Massage

Hear what others have to say about RecoveryOne.

The key to getting better from low back pain is physical therapy (PT). PT exercises that address stretching and strength are the base of recovery. When you do your PT exercises, do them with focus and good form. Also, be sure to keep doing PT exercises, even when you start to feel less pain. Though you might not think you need to, you should complete the full course of treatment to avoid getting hurt again. You may also need to switch up the types of activities you do for the short or long term to reduce symptoms and prevent reinjury.

You might wonder how long it’s going to take to recover. This can vary: sometimes, it can be a day or two. When pain sticks around, your recovery could take a couple of weeks to a few months. This process includes using the treatments we mentioned above. With a more serious issue, it could take you more than six months to get better, and you might need surgery. Make sure to follow up with a doctor if you’re having low back pain that doesn’t go away.

You’re not alone if you’re having low back pain. Though your symptoms may make you feel annoyed or upset, there are many things you can do to reduce or cure your pain. Physical therapy is the base of these treatments, and it can help you prevent other back problems in the future.

RecoveryOne and Cigna Team Up to Provide Virtual Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions

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Solution is now available to nearly two million Cigna customers working in small and mid-size companies

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RecoveryOne, a leading innovator in evidence-based solutions that personalize and improve the path to recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, today announced a virtual physical therapy solution targeting musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and injuries is now available to nearly two million Cigna customers. This MSK Solution, available to Cigna’s employer clients with under 500 employees effective immediately, makes it easier for customers to access physical therapy evaluations, personalized recovery plans and personal behavior support coaching to maximize engagement. Cigna is the first health plan to pilot and rollout the use of RecoveryOne as a consumer tool. Further, this represents the first virtual MSK-related program offered by any U.S. health plan as a standard solution that is designed to improve the cost and quality of care at scale.

With the launch of this solution, RecoveryOne and Cigna deliver differentiated value that aligns with both companies’ commitment to harness virtual options to change the way customers and patients interact with the healthcare system, including their providers. RecoveryOne is the only full-body, virtual solution supported by 200+ proprietary clinical pathways. The company’s proprietary, claims data-driven approach to identifying, enrolling, and engaging members with MSK needs targets and accelerates improved outcomes, empowering more people to reach the best recovery possible for their MSK condition.

“Cigna customers want access to quality care, when and where they need it – and that is what the RecoveryOne virtual physical therapy solution offers,” says Bruce Grimm, Senior Vice President, Cigna, who leads the company’s small and mid-size book of business. “At Cigna, we are committed to pursuing innovative opportunities like this one with RecoveryOne MSK that helps us deliver on our mission to deliver more affordable, predictable and simple health care to those we serve.”      

Mark Luck Olson, CEO of RecoveryOne, added, “RecoveryOne envisions a future where no one’s health or life is compromised by treatable MSK pain. For every person we touch, our human-centered, technology-enabled approach makes best-in-class care delivery more accessible, affordable, and consistently successful from head to toe.  We are excited to work with Cigna to make this mission a reality for so many people needlessly living in pain.”

About RecoveryOne
RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy care solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology. RecoveryOne reimagines conventional physical therapy by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Zeroing In on Empowered MSK Care

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The term “Empowered MSK Care” can mean different things to different people. At RecoveryOne, we are on a mission to transform MSK care, and empowerment is at the root of our efforts. So many people currently suffer from MSK injuries or conditions. The road to recovery can be long and arduous, and it can become further complicated if MSK patients never finish their prescribed physical therapy sessions.

There are a host of reasons why patients don’t complete their therapy. Sometimes it is a matter of convenience—getting to the therapist’s office, taking time away from work or family, and scheduling conflicts can make it difficult to get much needed help. Once patients start to feel good, they may drop PT sessions and try to continue exercises on their own. Or they may not understand where they are and what to expect on their recovery journey. The uncertainty may lead them to drop sessions and not follow up on important care.

Regardless of the reasons, a patient’s commitment to MSK care over time is often extremely tenuous. That’s why RecoveryOne has zeroed in on an Empowered MSK Care ModelTM that is customized to specific patient needs. While the custom nature of our approach is important, our commitment to removing barriers to care is just as critical. That’s why we bring care to the patient instead of making patients travel to their provider.

Our human-connected care is delivered through a zero-footprint technology platform. This means patients can complete their exercises wherever they are, according to their schedule and preferences. They can participate in our zero-friction programs that dynamically advance as their mobility improves.  No extra devices are needed, so no assembly is required.

Coaches monitor their progress, proactively addressing pain issues or progress concerns. We know that patients who aren’t engaged don’t keep up with therapeutic regimens. The RecoveryOne Empowered MSK Care Model includes continuous coach/patient collaboration on the individualized care plan.

We’ve designed the program to remove barriers to continued patient care. We’ve flipped the script to bring MSK care to patients wherever they are. We focus on empowering the patient throughout their MSK care journey with tailored information, accessible expert support, and flexible programs that encourage continued participation and leading to improved outcomes.

By empowering patients in MSK care, we are leading the transformation of current care practices and unlocking new opportunities to change the way MSK care is delivered.  As we zero in on patient empowerment, we are committed to:

Zero-Footprint, Zero-Friction, and Zero Tolerance for the Status Quo

Injury and Identity

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How do you define yourself? Well, that’s a complex question. You might be defined by many things on paper: your name, your age, your job… but what matters most is how you see yourself, or your self-identity. Your self-identity is how you perceive your own traits and your place in the world.

It’s easy for sports or physical skills to become part of our self-identity. The better we become at a sport — such as lifting weights, CrossFit, running, football, or tennis — and the more we commit to it, the more likely we are to include it in our sense of self. Our physical skills can become a big part of how we see ourselves. As a result, getting injured can take a toll on our emotions, not just on our bodies. Anger, frustration, anxiety, and depression are common reactions. We begin to question who we are if we can’t lift weights, run, or play tennis. We might ask, “Where do I fit in now?”

No one wants to think about getting injured. That said, it is likely that we will have an injury at some point. It’s a good idea to think in advance about the emotions that might come with injury. Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:

  1. Find interests and social connections outside of sports. This might take some thought if you devote a lot of time to training. What pros do you see in making time for new interests now, before an injury forces you to do so?
  2. Think about other things you enjoy in life. You might not get the same boost from other things that you get at the finish line of a 10K run, but there are sure to be other things you enjoy. What else makes you feel fulfilled, proud, or content?
  3. See what you have to offer that isn’t linked to physical skills. How do you self-identify outside of your sport? How much more do you have to offer the world, beyond what you can do physically?