Pathways Pain Relief app

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.

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.