Princeton Orthopaedic Associates adds virtual lifestyle coaching for orthopedic patients

Princeton Orthopaedic Associates has launched Prescribe FIT, a physician-supervised virtual coaching program for Central New Jersey patients focused on weight loss, nutrition and activity planning. The program is designed to reduce pain and improve mobility now, while helping patients prepare for surgery if they need it later.

Why it matters: - The Prescribe FIT program is meant to help orthopedic patients lower joint stress, ease pain and move better without relying only on surgery. - The program also aims to improve surgical readiness when procedures become necessary, which can support recovery outcomes. - Prescribe FIT is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans, which may make access easier for many patients.

What happened: - Princeton Orthopaedic Associates launched Prescribe FIT in Central New Jersey as a physician-supervised, virtual lifestyle coaching program. - The program brings structured weight management, nutrition guidance and activity planning into orthopedic care. - Patients receive weekly one-on-one support at home. - The service is designed to support conservative treatment today and surgical readiness later.

The details: - More than 200 patients have enrolled. - Participants have been in the program for about five months on average, or 159 days. - Patients in the program have lost a combined 1,500 pounds. - The program has been linked with 123 patients reporting decreased pain. - Another 88 patients reported improved mobility. - One patient said she could barely walk or lift her legs before treatment, then became pain-free in her hips after a femur fracture and hip replacement. - That same patient said Prescribe FIT helped her eat healthier, drink more water and lose weight. - Another patient reported losing 52 pounds with support from health coaches, the mobile app and weekly check-ins. - One patient reduced pain from 10 to 0 in 94 days. - Another improved mobility from 7 to 18 on a 25-point scale in 74 days. - One patient lost 43 pounds and 20% of body weight in 154 days through small lifestyle changes. - Prescribe FIT pairs each patient with a dedicated health coach for weekly sessions, remote check-ins and condition-specific strategies. - The program includes a mobile app and ongoing accountability between visits. - POA said the goal is to help patients address root causes and maintain healthier routines. - More information about Prescribe FIT is available on POA’s website. - Patients can call (609) 924-8131 to request an appointment.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader shift in orthopedic care toward managing weight, movement and pain before and after procedures. - Extra body weight increases force on knees, hips and the spine with each step, which can accelerate wear and tear. - Nutrition changes can support weight loss and lower inflammation, while low-impact activity can strengthen stabilizing muscles and improve motion. - That combination may help patients need less invasive care now and arrive at surgery in better condition later.

What's next: - Princeton Orthopaedic Associates is encouraging patients to confirm insurance benefits before enrolling. - The practice expects the program to keep supporting patients who want conservative care and those who need surgery later. - Patients can learn more through POA’s Prescribe FIT page or by calling the practice directly.

The bottom line: - Princeton Orthopaedic Associates is adding a virtual lifestyle layer to orthopedic care, betting that steady coaching can reduce pain, improve mobility and make surgery less of a reset if it becomes necessary.