Help Patients With Osteoarthritis Move More and Fear Pain Less with A New Clinically Validated Digital Program
Rethink Osteoarthritis translates Stanford research into a scalable tool that clinicians can now offer patients to provide relief without adding time to appointments.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlotte, NC — March 6, 2026
Osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million Americans and remains one of the leading causes of disability. Nearly 1 in 2 adults will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis during their lifetime, yet many patients need more support in understanding pain, movement, and the importance of staying active. Clinicians have limited time during appointments, which can make it difficult to deliver this information in depth.
Rethink Health today announced the nationwide launch of Rethink Osteoarthritis (Rethink OA) — a clinically validated digital intervention originally developed at Stanford University that helps patients better understand pain, move with confidence, and live active lives.
The program was evaluated in a randomized clinical trial of more than 400 participants and demonstrated meaningful improvements in key outcomes. Of those who completed Rethink OA:
- 66% increased physical activity
- 68% reduced fear of movement
- 47% reported reductions in pain
- 44% reported a reduced perceived need for surgery over time
- Many improved in both physical and mental health
Several of these improvements met thresholds for clinically meaningful change. Furthermore, these domains—pain, function, and fear of movement—have been linked to outcomes following joint replacement surgery.
“Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions clinicians treat. Patients are prescribed the right things, but often lack the support needed to follow through consistently,” said Dr. Melissa Boswell, Founder of Rethink Health. “Rethink OA gives clinicians a clinically validated, evidence-based resource they can confidently recommend to patients without adding time to already fully booked appointments.”
The digital program combines research in mindset science, biomechanics, and behavior change with practical guidance on movement and pain management. It was co-designed alongside people living with osteoarthritis to ensure the program addressed real challenges patients face.
An evolution from traditional educational materials, Rethink OA focuses on helping individuals adopt more useful mindsets about pain, movement, and physical activity — which can influence behavior, emotional well-being, and health outcomes. 
For healthcare providers, the program offers:
- A validated new educational resource to support conservative and compassionate care
- A scalable way to improve patient engagement and satisfaction between visits
- An easily accessible tool that complements physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle interventions
“Now, instead of feeling fearful and limited, I feel empowered and am capable of improving my situation, ” said Elizabeth B., a participant in the program.
Rethink OA is now available nationwide for both individuals and healthcare organizations seeking evidence-based patient education tools.
Clinicians, health systems, and organizations interested in offering the program to patients can learn more at www.rethinkoa.net.
About Rethink Health
Rethink Health is a digital health company focused on helping people rethink pain, movement, and chronic conditions through science-based education and behavior change. Its flagship program, Rethink Osteoarthritis, translates research developed at Stanford University into practical tools that help individuals stay active, build confidence in their bodies, and improve their quality of life. The company works with individuals, clinicians, and health organizations to expand access to evidence-based support for osteoarthritis.
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