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Pathways Pain Relief app

An app or online programme for people living with chronic pain (defined as being in pain for 3 months or more).

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Pathways Pain Relief app	By Pathways Health Ltd
	Features Diary. Tracking. Reminders. Statistics.
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? Yes Require a login? No Have password protection? No Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Free There is a free version of the app that gives a limited amount of access to the features. The free version is still helpful. The education content is 25% of what is available on the full paid version.
Advertisements	This app contains no ads.
How to get the app	(external link) (external link)

This app is designed for people who are experiencing chronic pain. It includes a combination of education, videos, challenges and tasks designed to address and target chronic pain. The education and videos sections are well-researched and have sound advice for those suffering chronic pain. Examples of sections within the app include:

Education section offers well-explained theories and techniques, and are presented in short videos, which make it easy to understand. This section challenges some commonly held beliefs around pain well.
Challenges section - there are a widespread range of physical and mind challenges. The app acknowledges the wide-ranging aspects of pain well.
Diary/journal which encourages users to complete different tasks/reflections.
Statistics, which allows users to see their daily pain scores (assuming they are tracking daily) over time. It is good that users also have the option to include particular elements contributing to the pain, which would help to identify over time what is contributing to the pain.
Reminders, where users can select reminders, linked to a particular challenge and the need to perform specific tasks.
When in pain, which allows a user to save favourite videos, which you can go back to when in pain.

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

PROS	CONS
✔ Has short videos with well explained theories and techniques about pain. ✔ Clinically validated with evidence of effectiveness.(external link) ✔ Includes a variety of pain management techniques including CBT, diaphragmatic breathing, visualizations and graded imagery, physical exercise, meditation, mindfulness. ✔ Adopts a practical approach to pain management, in that it converts education and information to action points.	✘ The high price for the full version ($149 US) will be a big barrier to some users. ✘ Not available in Google Play.

PROS

CONS

✔ Has short videos with well explained theories and techniques about pain.

✔ Clinically validated with evidence of effectiveness.(external link)

✔ Includes a variety of pain management techniques including CBT, diaphragmatic breathing, visualizations and graded imagery, physical exercise, meditation, mindfulness.

✔ Adopts a practical approach to pain management, in that it converts education and information to action points.

✘ The high price for the full version ($149 US) will be a big barrier to some users.

✘ Not available in Google Play.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Chris Lawrence, Community Physiotherapist
Date of review: 1 October 2023
Version: 2.20.4
Platform: Apple
Comments: Overall, this is an excellent app. It is a great source of education on chronic pain, presented well. It should allow practical implementation for users.
There are limited functions available under the free app, but there should be sufficient volume of education, content and challenges that makes this an excellent app for any users suffering with chronic pain.
It is important to note that in New Zealand, there are pain programmes available, through both ACC and Te Whatu Ora. While an app like this can be very helpful, it is recommended that you also speak to your GP if you are suffering from chronic pain, to ensure that a tailored programme can be put in place.
Safety concerns: No- this app is appropriate and continues well researched information.
There are some particular sections which were of potential safety concern; exercise sections and ‘review your medications’. However, both sections have good guidance around checking with a medical practitioner.
New Zealand relevance: Yes. This app is very relevant to a NZ context. As above, it is worth noting that for pain management education, a NZ user should also speak to their GP to see if an ACC-funded or Te Whatu Ora pain programme may be appropriate.
It is also interesting with the language used. In a New Zealand context, when a technique is taught for pain management, we typically say “Here is a technique that might work.” With this app and with the American terminology it is very optimistic and positive “This will take away your pain.”
While there is nothing wrong with this language, it is a bit different to how health professionals typically talk in NZ.

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

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.