Pocket Physio app launched

UK Specialist Hospitals has launched a physiotherapy app to help patients recover after hip or knee surgery.

The independent healthcare provider is part of the NHS Partners Network, and operates five treatment centres in the South West, has carried out almost 10,000 joint replacements for the NHS.

It has made the Pocket Physio app freely available for all patients with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

The app gives patients access to written information about treatment and home exercise plans with videos demonstrating how exercises should be done.

It also includes advice on looking after hip and knee joints, walking with a frame or crutches, managing pain, and recommended techniques for dressing, bathing and getting in and out of vehicles.

Dr Sue Frankland, a GP from South Gloucestershire, said patients who struggled to understand their exercises might give up on them, so the app should improve outcomes.

Pocket Physio can be downloaded from the iTunes store.