Licensed Canadian physiotherapists and a motion-tracking tablet guide members on disability
Manulife Canada will offer AI-enabled physiotherapy to eligible Group Benefits members through a partnership with Sword, a global AI health company.
The program covers members on disability who are experiencing acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including neck, back and joint pain, and is designed to improve recovery outcomes that support a safe and sustainable return to work.
Musculoskeletal conditions rank among the leading causes of disability and workplace absence in Canada, Manulife said in announcing the partnership.
Doug Bryce, head of health at Manulife Canada, said in the company's announcement that recovery includes returning to "your routine, your work and the people and activities you care about."
Bryce said the rehabilitation process "isn't always straightforward."
He said Manulife has partnered with Sword to give members access to physiotherapy.
In the first phase, eligible members on disability gain access to licensed Canadian physiotherapists, supported by a Health Canada-approved motion-tracking tablet.
Manulife said the combination enables personalized treatment plans, real-time progress tracking, educational resources, and ongoing communication with care teams.
Manulife and Sword will move to a second phase in 2027, expanding the program to all Group Benefits members with Extended Health Care coverage and increasing access to physiotherapy support across Canada.
In the announcement, André Eiras, senior vice-president of international at Sword, said many Canadians face challenges accessing care because of "geographic barriers and mobility limitations."
He said Sword is partnering with Manulife to bring care "directly to members."
