Virtual Physician-Integrated Practice Units Enhance Pain Relief, Function, and Well-Being in Older Adults with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Single-Arm Pre–Post Study

Background/Objectives: Age-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders lead to pain, reduced function, and diminished quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a virtually delivered MSK care program on pain and function in older adults. Methods: A single-arm pre–post study was conducted analyzing self-reported outcomes of 902 patients aged ≥ 65 years who completed an initial evaluation with both an MSK specialty physician/nurse practitioner and a physical therapist, followed by two or more clinical visits. Outcome measures included pain (NPRS), function (SANE and PROMIS-10 GPH), and mental health (GAD-2, PHQ-2, and PROMIS-10 GMH). Results: Across 891 patients, mean pain intensity decreased from 4.56 ± 0.07 to 2.30 ± 0.07 (49.6%, p < 0.001) with 693 patients (77.8%) experiencing pain relief (63.2%, p < 0.001). In 172 patients with severe baseline pain (NPRS ≥ 7), 91.3% reported decreased pain (60.9%, p < 0.001). Functional gains were clinically meaningful, with SANE scores increasing from 53.85 ± 0.90 to 76.62 ± 0.75 (n = 795, 42.3%, p < 0.001). Pain reduction correlated with functional improvement (ρ = −0.29, p < 0.001) with modest correlations between engagement and improved pain (ρ = −0.09) and function (ρ = 0.23). Mental health outcomes remained stable, with marked improvement among patients with baseline symptoms of anxiety or depression, 44.2% and 57.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The virtual MSK care program produced meaningful improvements in pain and function while maintaining overall health. This highlights the potential for virtual MSK-focused integrated practice units (IPUs) to support holistic well-being and healthy aging in older adults.