Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues are a major driver of healthcare costs and lost productivity, affecting millions of workers across various industries. Whether it's chronic pain, acute injuries, or long-term wear and tear, addressing MSK conditions isn’t just about employee wellness; it’s a business imperative.

But not all MSK solutions are the same.

While many organizations rely on reactive approaches, forward-thinking companies are discovering the advantages of preventative MSK solutions. Let's examine how the leading interventions compare:

1. Physical therapy: A reactive solution for recovery

Physical therapy (PT) is one of the most well-known MSK interventions. It involves guided exercises, manual therapy, and specialized treatments designed to rehabilitate injuries and improve mobility. 

Digital physical therapy programs have become more popular in recent years as they offer greater access to care, but they come with many of the same challenges as traditional physical therapy. Some of these limitations include:

1. Reactive, not proactive: PT is typically prescribed after an injury or when pain becomes too much to ignore. This makes it less applicable for individuals who have not yet developed an MSK condition but are at risk.
2. Time-intensive: PT requires ongoing appointments and/or self-directed exercises, which are difficult for most people to maintain. In fact, non-adherence to physical therapy programs is a major challenge across both in-clinic and at-home programs, with some estimates as high as 50%.
3. Limited access: Many people face barriers such as cost, insurance coverage, and provider availability.

Non-adherence to physical therapy programs is a major challenge across both in-clinic and at-home programs, with some estimates as high as 50%.

The success of these programs, whether in-clinic or at-home, still relies entirely on employee motivation and consistent participation, which many people struggle to maintain.

2. Custom orthotics: a proactive and reactive approach

Custom foot orthotics, like those from Hike Medical, are designed to improve biomechanics and reduce strain. They represent a paradigm shift in employer-sponsored MSK care, since they simultaneously prevent and relieve existing MSK issues:‍

1. Proactive prevention: By properly aligning the feet to distribute pressure evenly, orthotics can help prevent MSK issues before they start. They’re easy to use, since employees just put them in their existing shoes, and can be an especially great choice for people in physically demanding roles or those who spend long hours on their feet.‍
2. Reactive relief: For those already experiencing pain or discomfort, orthotics provide significant relief by addressing the alignment issues that cause MSK pain.

Unlike physical therapy, which requires ongoing sessions, custom insoles offer continuous support with minimal effort from the user. They’re a simple and cost-effective way to support employee well-being without adding extra strain on time or resources.

3. Workplace ergonomics: environmental adjustments for long-term health

Workplace ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces that minimize strain and support healthy posture. Common adjustments include:

1. Adjustable desks and chairs to support posture
2. ‍Proper keyboard and monitor placement to reduce wrist, neck, and back strain ‍
3. Anti-fatigue mats for standing workers (though these often cause slips, trips, and falls) 

These changes can improve comfort and reduce body strain, but their impact has limits. A 2020 study found only modest improvements in wrist and neck pain, and no significant change in lower back discomfort, one of the most common complaints among workers. Researchers noted that better outcomes might come from combining ergonomic setups with interventions that build physical strength and mobility.

This reflects another key limitation: ergonomics only help when employees are stationary. Once they get up, walk around, or spend hours on their feet, those benefits don’t follow. That’s where solutions like Hike Custom insoles come in. Insoles extend support beyond the desk, helping reduce fatigue, improve alignment, and ease lower-body pain throughout the day.

Ergonomics only help when employees are stationary. Once they get up, walk around, or spend hours on their feet, those benefits don’t follow.

To truly support employee health and comfort, ergonomics should be part of a more comprehensive MSK strategy — one that keeps people feeling good whether they’re sitting, standing, or on the move.

The ROI perspective: Why custom orthotics take the lead

When evaluating MSK solutions through a business lens, custom orthotics deliver exceptional return on investment:

For employers looking to mitigate MSK-related costs and discomfort, a combination of proactive and reactive strategies is ideal.

Custom orthotics stand out as a highly accessible solution that can prevent issues before they start while also offering relief for those already in pain. Physical therapy remains a valuable tool for recovery, while workplace ergonomics can help promote long-term well-being.