ACL & Knee Physical Therapy app | By Curovate Inc. |
![]() |
Features
|
Country of origin | Canada |
Clinical review |
|
Security and privacy | Does the app:
Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: |
Cost | Free – 5 day trial version; paid version, with the following options (at the time of review):
|
Advertisements | This app contains no ads. |
How to get the app |
Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz, scroll down the page then click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.
ACL & Knee Physical Therapy app
ACL & Knee Physical Therapy app
- An app with a variety of exercise programmes designed for after a range of knee surgeries or conditions, eg, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation, total hip or knee replacements, knee strengthening, hip strengthening, knee osteoarthritis.
-
As a general rule, the first approach should be to get face-to-face input with a physiotherapist and ensure that you're following the correct surgical protocol. If for some reason this isn't possible, this would be a good app to use to complete your rehabilitation protocol.
![yellow unaunahi tile](/assets/Introduction-Images/Healthify-Website-tiles-Generic-6.png)
The ACL & Knee Physical Therapy contains a variety of exercise programmes, designed to be used after a range of knee surgeries or conditions, eg, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehab, total hip or knee replacements, knee strengthening, hip strengthening, knee osteoarthritis).
- The app focuses on a structured exercise programme, with additional physiotherapy support via telehealth where required.
- There's a good questionnaire section at the initial onboarding process, which includes questions around the date of your surgery, type of surgery, surgical technique (eg, patella tendon vs hamstring tendon graft for ACL).
- The app also has educational videos, and a podcast style type approach to answer specific questions, in the ‘knowledge’ section.
- Finally, there is the option to interact with a physiotherapist – either via the chat section or by booking in a virtual appointment (at a cost –see details on costs above).
For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✔ Ability to measure progress, through range of motion and outcome measures scores, as well as graphs and reporting section. ✔ Clear, detailed and thorough exercise programmes. These are well displayed and explained. ✔ Compared to other exercise apps in the market, this app has an advantage in that it allows users to interact with a physiotherapist, via chat or video sessions. |
✘ Cost of the premium plans may be a barrier for some users. ✘ Some of the exercise programmes are really long! For example, when the post-surgical ACL rehabilitation programme was trialled as part of the review, 1 of the days had 3 hours of daily exercise/rehabilitation. That is simply too long for many users. It's acknowledged that there is a ‘I don’t have much time’ section. However, the length of time needed to perform some programmes would act as a real barrier. ✘ In Aotearoa New Zealand, there is good rehabilitation support for a number of these hip and knee surgeries, and it likely means that there isn’t a strong advantage in paying for an app to get good care, when this can be provided at a higher level face-to-face. |
Clinical review
Reviewer: Chris Lawrence, Community-based physiotherapist.
Date of review: April 2024
Platform: Android
Version: 1.4.1
Comments: This app is well designed, and provides some helpful exercise programmes that can be used after a range of hip and knee surgeries and injuries. As a general rule, the first approach should be to get face-to-face input with a physiotherapist and ensure you're following the correct surgical protocol. If for some reason this isn't possible, this would be a good app to use to complete your rehabilitation protocol.
Safety concerns: A general safety concern of any app-based exercise programme is the limitations of this technique, and the inability of an app to correct any exercises performed incorrectly, or to give specific education related to pain someone might be feeling while exercising. This app does aim to minimise these safety concerns, through their education section, and the options to interact with a physiotherapist.
New Zealand relevance: The app is relevant to a New Zealand audience. The comment above is not a reflection of the limitations of the app, rather the current situation in NZ to managing these injuries. If you have had an ACL surgery in New Zealand, you will be fully-funded for an ACC Escalated Care Pathways service. This includes face-to-face physiotherapy, and extensive rehabilitation, at no cost. Using this rehabilitation pathway would be preferred over this (or any other!) app.
If for some reason you're not able to access face-to-face physiotherapy input, this app could be helpful.
It's acknowledged that in New Zealand, many surgeons have a particular protocol, or exercises they want you to perform. This app does not reflect that, and where at all possible, users should follow the specific programmes given to them by their surgeon.
Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
Factsheets – using health apps safely
How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.