A new physio app has launched allowing patients to fast-track their recovery.
Reach is focused on neck pain sufferers and aims to remove the need for long waiting times to see NHS physios, which can range from four to 27 weeks.
Offering a personalised physio program in just 15 minutes, it aims to make high quality physio available anytime and anywhere.
鈥淭he whole process is inconvenient and demotivating right now,鈥� said co-founder and CEO James Read, who was inspired to develop the app after his own problems recovering from a sports injury.
鈥淧ut off by lengthy NHS waiting times or the costly private alternative and frustrated by the infrequent in-person physio treatment, it鈥檚 simply taking many neck pain sufferers too long to get the help they need.
鈥淲ith Reach we鈥檙e aiming to empower sufferers to own and accelerate their recovery so they can get back to their active best.鈥�
Musculoskeletal pain is currently the second most common reason for work absenteeism after coughs and colds and costs EU economies 拢200 billion each year.
They are also more likely to recur and develop into long-term conditions if left untreated.
Developed in conjunction with physiotherapists and doctors, the app has been approved as a medical device in the EU.
Following a ten-minute online assessment, users are presented with a program of easy-to-follow video exercises tailored specifically to the user鈥檚 recovery.
Reach鈥檚 fully qualified physiotherapists review workout feedback and monitor progress to help users stay on track and evolve and personalise exercises accordingly.
Reach鈥檚 physiotherapists are also available to contact via the app or by phone and email if required.