Musculoskeletal (MSK) Self-Care app

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Self-Care app

  • An app to provide information for the self-management of back, neck, upper and lower limb joint pain or stiffness.
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Musculoskeletal (MSK) Self-Care app By Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust with LHIS

Features

  • Information and education.
  • Exercise videos.
Clinical review 

4.5 star review


Read a clinical review below.

Security and privacy Does the app:
  • Collect medical information? No
  • Require a login? No
  • Have password protection? Yes (only through your phone password)
  • Have a privacy policy? No
  • Require internet access to use? Yes

Read more about safety and security when using apps.

Brochures:
Tips to improve your privacy and security [PNG, 200 KB] Health Navigator Charitable Trust, NZ
Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ

Cost Free
How to get the app

This app aims to provide support and guidance for people with back, neck, upper limb and lower limb joint pain or stiffness as a result of injury or other causes. The home screen is divided into 4 body-part sections: back, neck, upper limb (shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, fingers) and lower limb (knee, ankle, foot, leg, hip). Each section has further sub-sections:

  • Info gives an overview of pain associated with that body part, symptoms, conditions and self-help advice. 
  • Leaflets links to leaflets and website giving details of different exercises.
  • Videos has videos showing how to do different exercises.

For the complete app description, go to the App Store(external link) or for a detailed review see reviews below.

PROS CONS 

Site is straightforward to use.

✔ Could be a first port of call when experiencing acute joint pain or stiffness.

Videos are clear with easy-to-follow verbal instructions.

Only 2 website links available, despite advertising multiple links.

 Permissions for this app involves access to photos/media/files, read the contents of your USB storage and modify or delete the contents of your USB storage.

Clinical review

4.5 star review



Reviewer
: Dr Tracey Pons (PhD), New Zealand Registered Physiotherapy Specialist
Date of review: August 2019
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.1.0

Comments: This app can benefit a person who experiences joint pain or stiffness in one or more body site. It provides information for the self-management of hip, back, neck, all upper limb and all lower limb joint pain or stiffness, such as how to reduce pain and stiffness as well as the provision of videos for a gentle range of motion or stretching exercises. The app is easy to operate. The information is appropriate, current and accurate. There is unlikely to be privacy breaches of the person using it. It is not likely to be a source of security threat. The only likelihood would be if the NHS of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s partnership organisation were to be hacked or attacked by ransomware. The app also gives information about how to contact the app developer and commissioner. This is very good. I have not given it a 5 rating as it provided links to only 2 websites which cannot be called ‘a collection’. 
Safety concerns: None. 
New Zealand relevance: Relevant to a New Zealand audience but the app does state that it is aimed primarily for use by patients registered with a GP practice in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (United Kingdom), particularly with respect to the directory of services and websites.

Where is your pain?

References

  1. Adams J, Lowe W, Protheroe J, et al. Self-management of a musculoskeletal condition for people from harder to reach groups: a qualitative patient interview study.(external link) Disabil Rehabil. 2018 Oct 28:1-9.

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.

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.