Care and recovery
I would like to understand my options
Use your Dow resources and tools to help you navigate treatment, receive quality care and improve your wellbeing.
Dow’s tools and resources are here when you need them for your bone and joint health.
Understand diagnosis and care for bone and joint conditions
Bone, joint and other musculoskeletal conditions are generally characterized by localized pain in one area of the body. Parts of the body most likely to be affected include the:
- Lower back
- Shoulders
- Wrists
- Hands
- Neck
- Hips
- Legs
- Ankles
Common symptoms may include:
- Stiffness in joints
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Difficulty moving
- Spasms in muscle
- Bruising and discoloration
Diagnosis
Accurately diagnosing bone, joint and other musculoskeletal conditions involves a number of approaches.
Treatment
Depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, your health care provider may recommend various treatments to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and improve your range of motion, including:
Therapy
Occupational or physical therapy to improve function and strength.
Exercise
Moderate, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling.
Temperature therapy
Applying cold or heat to the affected area.
Medication
Prescription medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery
In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
Managing pain
Managing pain is crucial for living well with a bone, joint or other musculoskeletal disorder. Your health care provider can help you find the right approach to pain relief, which might include hands-on therapies, medications and other approaches. Read more.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help decrease joint pain and improve mobility. The Dow Family Health Centers in Houston, TX and Lake Jackson, TX offer convenient, high-quality physical therapy options (schedule an appointment). If you’re in Midland, call (989) 488-1150 to learn more about our partnership with a local physical therapist.
Receive personalized care for your bone and joint health
Medical coverage
When you enroll in a Dow medical plan, you have access to comprehensive medical coverage with an out-of-pocket maximum that protects you from significant medical expenses, as well as best-in-class
resources so you can feel confident in your treatment. Based on your medical plan selection, available resources may include specific nurse support, 24/7 nurse lines, telehealth services, weight management programs and more.
Contact your medical plan carrier using the number on the back of your ID card for details.
Prescription drug coverage
Prescription medications can be an important part of your treatment. Your prescription drug coverage may include anti-inflammatories and other prescription-strength pain medications.
If you’re enrolled in an Aetna medical plan, you have access to prescription drug coverage through CVS. If you’re enrolled in one of the HMO plans, your prescription drug coverage is provided through the HMO. Call the number on the back of your ID card to learn more.
Knock out pain with Hinge Health
It can be hard to get through the day when you’re in pain because of a sore back, shoulder, elbow, wrist or knee. Take advantage of Hinge Health — your partner for pain relief. With Hinge Health, you can get virtual physical therapy and more from real people who are dedicated to helping you feel your best.
Hinge Health provides personalized care plans and coaching to help employees accomplish their health goals with exercise therapy programs designed to treat muscle and joint issues from head to toe — including back, knee, pelvic pain and more. Hinge Health programs are available at no additional cost to you.
Note: In general, U.S. employees who are eligible to participate in Dow’s Wellbeing Portal are eligible for Hinge Health benefits. Eligibility and other terms may vary for employees who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Dow reserves the right to amend or terminate its benefit plans at any time in its sole discretion.
Additional Aetna resources
- Back and Joint Care Support Center: Aetna offers access to a collection of joint pain and back pain resources to guide you through the causes of pain to treatment options and tips for long-term health.
- Aetna weight management reimbursement: Aetna helps you save money on your weight loss journey. From Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers to counseling with a registered dietitian, the program covers up to $1,000 in eligible weight management expenses at 100% with no deductible each year. Visit the Health Resources section of the Dow Benefits & Wellbeing Site to learn more.
Personify Health programs
The Transform for Weight Management and Transform for Prediabetes programs through Personify Health offer evidence-based solutions with proven effectiveness. Transform embraces sustainable and steady lifestyle modifications that last long after the program is complete. Each program includes virtual lessons and opportunities to communicate directly with a coach through your smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as devices to help track your progress. Access more information and get started through the Dow Wellbeing Portal.
Nurture your mental and emotional health
It’s natural to focus on the physical aspects of a health condition and the treatment. However, it’s important to remember that a health condition can have significant impacts on your emotional health. You have access to a wide range of benefits and resources through Dow to help you care for your emotional health alongside your physical health.
Find what you need, whether you’re looking for a boost, would like personal support or need immediate help, in the Dow mental health guide.
Did you know?
The Dow Family Health Centers offer convenient, affordable health care — including mental health care. Also, you have access to additional mental health virtual care options if you’re enrolled in an Aetna medical plan.