Digital therapeutic company DarioHealth is launching a digital physical therapy and musculoskeletal (MSK) care platform dubbed Dario Move.

Dario Move includes a biofeedback sensor, real-time feedback and support from physical therapists and coaches, and personalized exercise programs designed by therapists.

The new product comes after Dario acquired MSK health company Upright Technologies. The deal was originally announced in January. 

"The launch of Dario Move marks a significant achievement for our company, as we successfully and efficiently integrated the Upright MSK solution into our comprehensive multi-chronic condition digital therapeutics platform, further expanding its industry-leading breadth and reach," DarioHealth CEO and President Erez Raphael said in a statement.

"Dario Move is the realization of our vision for multi-use applications of the sensor technologies acquired during our purchase of Upright, and this new solution unlocks vast new market potential. Further, we believe that the integration with our multi-chronic platform strengthens our platform from a buyer perspective and in our ability to deliver results and value for our partners."

WHY IT MATTERS

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, affecting about 1.71 billion people, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization. 

Physical therapists are also in demand; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 21% between 2020 and 2030.

Dario positions its expansion in the MSK space as an improvement to its digital health platform, which also includes hypertension, diabetes and weight management.

"Dario Move offers an attractive alternative to more traditional and complex solutions by providing engaging and effective digital treatments in a member's home," Rick Anderson, DarioHealth's president and general manager North America, said in a statement.

"This increases the likelihood of member engagement and retention to care which improves clinical outcomes and lowers the cost of care. Integration across our suite of products allows us to provide an integrated, personalized user experience on a single platform while providing operational efficiencies that our clients want."

THE LARGER TREND

Outside of the Upright purchase, Dario also acquired digital mental health company wayForward in May. In June, the company launched the Upright GO S, a wearable posture-correcting sensor.

Plenty of digital health companies are joining the MSK care area. Hinge Health, which wrapped up a $300 million Series D round of funding in January, acquired the developer of computer vision technology that measures body motion last month. 

SWORD Health bought Vigilant Technologies, the maker of a wearable that aims to prevent workplace injuries, in early October. 

Other players include digital chronic care company Omada Health, which moved into MSK care in May 2020 with the purchase of Physera, and Kaia Health, which raised $75 million in Series C funding in April.