PainGuru

An app for people with lower back pain or hip pain.

PainGuru By Giresh Kanji Apps Limited
Features
  • Education and information

Get the app:

Country of origin  Aotearoa New Zealand
Clinical review 

  


Read a clinical review of this app.

Security and privacy Does the app:
  • collect medical information? Yes (can collect information, however based on the privacy policy, this is only used if the user chooses to share this with the doctor)
  • require a login? No
  • have password protection? No
  • have a privacy policy? Yes
  • require internet access? Yes
Read more safety tips around health apps.
Cost
  • The standard version of the app is free.
  • There is an option for a paid upgrade to “PainGuru Plus”.
    Unfortunately the link for this seems to be broken on both Apple and Android versions
Advertisements This app contains no ads.

What does the app do?

The Pain Guru app is designed for individuals with lower back pain. The app helps with confirming a diagnosis, and provides information on different treatment options.

The user is able to go through a list of questions that ask about the pain location, intensity and nature of symptoms. This will give some guidance about a diagnosis.

Different treatment options for each diagnosis are presented, in both text and short video form (approximately one minute each).

This appears to have been designed for individuals to get more information on other specific areas, such as investigations. However the Pro plus link seems to be broken.

For the complete app description, go to Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see Reviews

PROS CONS 

✔ Detailed questions around diagnosis. Based on purely subjective interviewing alone, these questions are likely to have a degree of accuracy for helping to recognise a potential diagnosis.

✘ Following diagnosis, all treatment options are listed ranging from exercises through to fusion surgery. There is no guidance as to why one might be recommended over another. This could potentially cause a lot of worry or anxiety for a user.

✘ Advanced version of the app is broken.

✘ The treatment options for each injury can be confusing for a user, because the most recognised treatment options are not necessarily written at the top of the screen, eg, for disc pain the first option that is mentioned is traction.

✘ Some of the opinions from the app about treatment modalities would not be widely accepted by the entire medical profession, eg, “core strength is a myth”.

✘ It is unclear when someone needs to go on to get specialist advice, or face to face input. Even a recommendation on when to use the virtual consultation as part of the author’s listings on his website would be helpful.

Review details

Date of review: October 2022
Platform reviewed: Android and Apple

Related topics

Pain management apps
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app
NZ Health App Library

App developer: If you are the developer and would like to provide updated information about this app, please email the app library manager at hello@healthify.nz

Disclaimer: Healthify’s 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.

Data security and privacy information


Tips to improve your privacy and security when using health apps
Health Navigator Charitable Trust, NZ, 2019


Staying safe online
Netsafe, NZ, 2020

Credits: Healthify Editorial Team

Reviewed by: Chris Lawrence, Community Physiotherapist

Last reviewed:

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