Innovative AI Physiotherapy App Significantly Reduces NHS Back Pain Waiting Lists

A novel AI-driven physiotherapy application has demonstrated significant potential in reducing waiting times for back pain treatment within the NHS. During a three-month pilot conducted by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, the app facilitated the triage, management, and discharge of patients experiencing lower back pain, one of the most prevalent and resource-intensive conditions faced by the healthcare system. Created by Flok Health, based in Cambridge, this pioneering AI physiotherapy tool is the first of its kind to receive regulation from the Care Quality Commission. Its implementation allowed healthcare professionals to reallocate approximately 2,500 hours of clinical time toward more complex cases. Jayne Davies, the NHS trust’s clinical lead for musculoskeletal (MSK) services, emphasized the system's challenges: "Lower back pain accounts for a third of our workload, and demand exceeds our capacity. Across the country, we lack enough trained staff to meet this rising need. If implemented carefully, this technology could revolutionize MSK care." One participant, Annys Bossom from Brampton, was among the 2,500 individuals benefiting from the trial. MSK conditions a...