CONA reports early gains from Prescribe FIT lifestyle coaching program

Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates says early results from its Prescribe FIT program are showing less pain, better mobility and more weight loss for participating patients. The Spartanburg practice says the program is helping support musculoskeletal care between visits and may reduce future joint stress and recovery barriers.

Why it matters: - CONA is tying orthopedic care to weight, movement and daily habits, not just in-office treatment. - Early results suggest the approach may help patients move more comfortably, lose weight and build routines that support long-term musculoskeletal health. - The program could matter for patients trying to reduce pressure on the hips, knees, feet, ankles and spine.

What happened: - Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates highlighted early patient outcomes from its Prescribe FIT lifestyle health coaching program. - CONA patients began actively enrolling in late September 2025. - By the end of March, 452 patients were enrolled and 588 patient lives had been transformed. - Patients had spent an average of 83 days in the program. - Of patients who completed the pain survey, 70% reported reduced pain. - Of patients who completed the mobility survey, 68% reported increased mobility. - Patients across CONA are also reporting changes in how they move, feel and participate in daily life.

The details: - Prescribe FIT pairs eligible CONA patients with a dedicated health coach who provides personalized guidance at home. - Patients work on nutrition, movement, activity goals and other lifestyle changes. - CONA says the program can support orthopedic care, reduce pressure on joints, improve mobility and help patients build healthier routines for the long term. - By the end of March, 72% of participating patients had lost weight. - 104 patients had lost at least 5% of their body weight. - 28 patients who started the program with BMIs above 40 are now under 40. - Prescribe FIT participants have lost more than 4,000 total pounds. - Richard Lewis, a patient of Dr. Christopher Chittum, said his mobility has increased tremendously and he can now do almost anything with little to no pain. - Penny Wood, a patient of Dr. Daniel Gerscovich, said she lost 33 pounds, is pain-free and has become more active than she has been in a long time. - Peggy Taylor, a patient of Dr. Anthony Barcel, said her health coach has been central to her progress and she expects to keep improving weight loss and mobility. - Dr. Channing Willoughby said musculoskeletal health is shaped by pain, mobility, strength, nutrition, activity level and daily routines. - Dr. Michael Hoenig said support outside the office can help patients make progress one week at a time and build a stronger foundation for long-term musculoskeletal health.

Between the lines: - The early data points to a broader shift in orthopedic care toward prevention and behavior change. - The weight-loss results matter because excess weight can increase stress on joints and complicate recovery. - CONA is positioning Prescribe FIT as a way to support outcomes between physician visits, which can be a weak spot in traditional care models. - The patient quotes suggest the program is being experienced less like a short-term diet and more like a lifestyle change.

What's next: - CONA says patients interested in Prescribe FIT can learn more through the program page. - The practice is likely to keep tracking pain, mobility and weight outcomes as more patients spend longer in the program. - Continued enrollment will show whether the early gains hold over time and scale across more orthopedic patients.

The bottom line: - CONA's early Prescribe FIT results suggest that virtual health coaching can play a meaningful role in orthopedic care by improving pain, mobility and weight-related outcomes.