Kaia provides virtual physical therapy for members suffering from acute or chronic pain (Available 1/1/24)

Get back to doing what you love! WHA and Optum teamed up to help members address pain, whether a stiff neck, aching shoulders, or more severe back issues (see this flyer on this virtual physical therapy program) available to eligible WHA eligible plan members. Sometimes, access to in-person therapy or taking time to travel to appointments can hinder getting the care you need. Now, we're bringing physical therapy direct through your mobile phone (or tablet).

Members with acute or chronic neck, shoulder, back, hip, wrist, or knee pain can benefit from timely personalized physical therapy that is accessible anytime or anywhere. Optum brings the Kaia program to WHA members via a smartphone app. Kaia Health offers evidence-based MSK rehabilitation techniques to help proactively manage back pain, as well as other acute or chronic physical pain. This type of expertise integrated with technology shows real promise for members to get care conveniently. The technology was designed by orthopedists and physical therapists. The app uses AI-driven therapy instruction and monitoring, to offer members access to personalized exercises and coaching through technology.  

Kaia Health gives you pain management in a new way:

• On-demand pain relief care with the convenience of an app 
• Tailored exercises with some as short as 15 minutes
• Bite-sized lessons to help you recognize where the pain is coming from
• Direct access to your coach and physical therapist through the in-app chat
• No added cost —  part of a WHA health plan (check to ensure eligibility)
• Strengthening exercises plus relaxation techniques for pain management
• Real-time feedback on your form (position) using your mobile phone's camera

WHA members can enroll with startkaia.com/westernhealth (at no added cost to WHA members). Just answer a few questions and get started on your own personalized digital therapy program today!

If you have questions about the program, call Kaia at 917.580.7851. For information on plan eligibility, contact WHA Member Services.

Note: this program is available to CalPERS Basic plan member ages 18+.