For Lantern member Sandra, combining Hinge Health and Lantern has been life-changing, giving her a way to overcome her chronic pain and limited mobility and improve her quality of life.  

Sandra first learned about Hinge Health, a benefit that provides digital musculoskeletal care services via an easy-to-use app, through her employer. She started using it for hip pain relief before transitioning ​​​​​​​​to another Hinge Health program to address her carpal tunnel pain. 

“I first applied for Hinge Health when dealing with hip pain,” Sandra explained. “I was so excited, and I started doing the exercises at my desk daily.” 

Maximizing Her Benefits with Lantern

​​​​​The Hinge app helped Sandra start to manage her pain, but because her pain continued, she learned she would need surgery. That is when she reached out to Lantern, which is another benefit she knew her employer offered. Much like her Hinge Health experience, Sandra’s Lantern experience was great. 

​​​​​​​Sandra’s Lantern Care Advocate matched her with excellent surgeons in Lantern’s network, so ​​​​​​​​she could choose the right surgeon for her from a short list.  

During her initial appointment, Sandra felt more hopeful than she had in a long while. Her surgeon took her concerns seriously and realized she would need a procedure to improve her mobility. 

“He looked at me and said, ‘I can see how much you’re struggling,’” Sandra shared. “Then he told me he could schedule the surgery within a month.” 

Things progressed faster than expected. Just a week later, Sandra received a call that her surgery could be moved up. 

“He recognized my pain and made sure I got the care I needed right away,” she said. 

Lantern and Hinge Health Working Together

Thanks to Lantern and Hinge Health, Sandra was able to continue rehab on her terms.  

Sandra’s surgeon wanted her to get regular physical therapy. ​​​​​​​​Sandra showed her Hinge Health app to her Lantern surgeon, explaining she had used and enjoyed the program. Her surgeon approved of Sandra using her Hinge Health program because it worked better for her schedule and didn’t cost her anything extra. 

“After my hip surgery in April,​​​​ ​​​​I was supposed to go to in-person therapy several times a week, but the cost was adding up. I told my doctor about Hinge Health, showed him the app, and he approved it as an alternative,” Sandra said. 

Sandra found that Hinge Health’s flexibility kept her motivated. 

“The coach messages me if I miss a session, which reminds me to get back into it. Now, I use it twice a week, and if I feel sore, I can open the app and do a quick session,” Sandra said. 

Today, Sandra is in the gym and living a more active life. Even though she can be more active now, she still uses her Hinge Health program regularly. 

“These programs have been incredible. I tell everyone about them because they’re convenient, cost-effective, and truly help with recovery,” Sandra said. “With these benefits, I’ve saved thousands of dollars and received excellent care.”