Musculoskeletal pain is the most common type of pain experienced by adults in the U.S., with an estimated 39% of adults suffering from back pain, 36.5% from lower limb pain, and 30.7% from upper limb pain, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey.

Because of its impact on patients, both short- and long-term, musculoskeletal pain is also among the top five most common insurance claims seen by MIIA’s Health Benefits Trust.

To help subscribers struggling with this type of pain, MIIA and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts recently launched a new program through a partner, Hinge Health, that provides personalized plans for each patient designed by a physical therapist and a health coach.

Studies show that regular physical activity strengthens the muscles around affected joints, decreases bone loss, and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain.

The Hinge Health program launched with a pilot group last August, and more than 300 municipal employees and dependents participated in the program, using it for help with a range of issues, including back, neck, knee and hip pain, as well as for women’s pelvic health. In January, the program became available to all MIIA Health Benefits Trust subscribers and their dependents.

MIIA Wellness Project Manager Jayne Schmitz said the success of the program can be attributed to both ease of use and its personal touch.

“Exercises are set up using the mobile app, so you can find them easily each day, and you can communicate directly with your physical therapist and health coach to make any adjustments,” she said.

Participants can use Hinge Health’s motion-tracking technology as they move through exercises to ensure they are on track with form and repetitions. They can access additional health-related information through the app as well.