An artificial intelligence-powered physiotherapy app developed by Cambridge firm Flok Health has cut back pain treatment waiting lists by 55% in a successful NHS trial.
Over 2,500 patients across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough took part in the three-month pilot, run by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which tested the app’s ability to assess, treat and discharge patients remotely.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, such as lower back pain, are among the leading causes of disability and work absence in the UK. With national MSK appointment wait times often exceeding 18 weeks, the new digital tool offers a significant breakthrough.
It’s like having a video call with a physiotherapist.. this could be a game-changer
Jayne Davies, clinical lead for MSK services at the trust told the BBC “A third of our workload is lower back pain, and demand outstrips capacity. We couldn’t train or afford enough staff to keep up.”
The app delivers personalised video-based exercises via smartphone or tablet, with AI guiding patients through tailored rehabilitation plans. If any patient inputs raise concerns, a human physiotherapist is alerted for direct follow-up.
Among those treated was Annys Bossom of Brampton, who has lived with chronic back pain for 25 years. “At first, I was sceptical,” she told the BBC. “But I found it easy, helpful, and more motivating than paper instructions.”
Sharon McMahon, a primary school teacher from Hardwick, began treatment the same day she accessed the app—after waiting 17 weeks for help. “I was back on my feet within two weeks,” she said speaking to the BBC.
The app, demonstrated on-screen by NHS physiotherapist Kirsty Henderson, saved over 850 clinician hours per month and led to 98% of patients completing their care digitally.
Flok Health’s co-founder Finn Stevenson, a former professional rower, created the platform after struggling to access treatment himself. “It’s like having a video call with a physiotherapist,” he said.
While some concerns persist about the use of AI in healthcare, experts like Ash James from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy stress that technology must be developed with proper oversight. “AI can’t replace physios,” he said, “but it can help patients manage conditions faster and free up capacity for those who need in-person care.”
The success of the trial may now pave the way for wider NHS adoption.
