Rehab story - Jeff

ARTICLE
26 June 2025 dot 3 min read

AIA Embrace enhances the claims experience by supporting clients’ recovery and wellbeing—helping advisers deliver more value and build deeper, lasting relationships.

Jeff's diagnosis

Jeff* is a 46-year-old self-employed hairdresser who was diagnosed with a hernia, bilateral adductor tendinopathy, and an L4/5 disc bulge impinging on the L5 nerve root. These conditions caused debilitating pain and weakness, making it difficult for him to sit or stand for long periods. His treatment included physiotherapy, osteotherapy, and pain medication.
Soon after his claim was received, one of our consultants reached out to Jeff to offer support through AIA Embrace, our holistic wellbeing ecosystem of programs and partnerships that help support people whether they are well, unwell or recovering. 
 
Given the physical and emotional challenges Jeff was facing, he was referred to two AIA Embrace programs:
 
  • Mind Coach, which helps strengthen mental wellbeing and build emotional resilience to develop healthier mindsets and feel more in control of your life.
  • Pain Coach, which helps individuals better understand and manage persistent pain through coaching and education – empowering individuals to reduce pain, while improving function and overall wellbeing.
Both programs are delivered via telehealth over five sessions.

The path to healing

Jeff found the Mind Coach sessions extremely helpful, especially the mindfulness and breathing techniques. He felt the strategies aligned well with his goals and plans to continue self-managing with support from his physiotherapist.
Through Pain Coach, Jeff gained a deeper understanding of pain and reported a noticeable improvement in his ability to sit and stand for longer periods. He felt ready to begin a gradual return to work.
 
Reflecting on his experience, Jeff said:
 
"The service from AIA was invaluable. I would recommend anybody going through the anxiety of a sudden debilitating injury to do this program!"
 
To support his transition back to work, we arranged a worksite and ergonomic assessment, guided by his doctor’s recommendations. Jeff is now working part-time and continues to receive support through the AIA Embrace wellbeing ecosystem as he progresses on his recovery journey. 
 
*Name changed for privacy
Learn more about AIA Embrace programs and partnerships