Physio Smartphone Apps: Are They Really Worth the Hype?

Did you know that there are now more smartphones on Earth than tooth brushes?

Like it or not, this unprecedented uptake of technology is here to stay, driven primarily by the flexibility and power of mobile software called Apps.

Where the web has become incomprehensibly vast, smartphone Apps are allowing us to connect, refine and personalise the information relevant to us and our lifestyle.

So what’s in your pocket?  

The recent launch of tech health accessories like FitBit, new Apple and Android Health Apps and the massive investments by public health departments into their communication technology gives a pretty good indication that we are seeing a big shift in the health industry.

It’s an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and no doubt consumer expectation will be forever changed (just look how far personal banking has come in recent years).

Early adopters have a lot to gain but it’s good to know your options in an environment often caught up in hype.

Earlier this year I asked a number of my private clients to do a 3 month trial of trial one smartphone app called MyPhysioApp

All have since signed up for paid subscriptions which is possibly the clearest indicator that the MyPhysioApp system is worth taking a look at.

MyPhysioApp looks to be a genuine leader in the field so I would recommend taking a look at their free trial, available through their website at www.myphysioapp.com

If you move to a paid subscription, their plans run as a simple month-by-month contract and there’s no risk to trialling it over a longer period.

MyPhysio App have also kindly offered 10% off your monthly rate when you use the promo code “PhysioProfessor” when signing up to to the trial offer.

Here is some more information about the different smartphone options on the market at the moment.

1. The not-actually-an-App – The incumbent exercise prescription softwares now often use marketing of their exercise program on a smartphone or tablet. These are essentially pdf with all the interactivity of a telephone book. This is an option but it’s certainly not an App.
2. The App companies that targets your practice ego.
   Tailor made to have your name and branding all over it (but zero functionality for your client), this is the classic “me-too” App trap for Practice Owners. Expect zero ROI and a bruised ego.
3. The App that puts a wedge between you and your client.
   Targeting the consumer dollar directly, these Apps have a library of physiotherapy exercises and treatment advice for the “Doctor Google” types. They shouldn’t be a long term competitor for your hands-on practice but they do raise the bar on what a home exercise program is expected to look like (with videos, animations and exercise reminders). If you still prescribe using scribbles on a page you will be looking second rate to a $1.99 app… which should be a concern.
4. The App as Service
   These Apps are the ones you should be getting excited about. They are the strong alternative to the incumbent exercise prescription softwares, giving you control over your prescription and taking full advantage of the smartphone capabilities. These clever Apps balance functionality for the physiotherapist, the client and the practice owner.

MyPhysioApp is certainly worth a look – so make sure you look at their free trial, available through their website at www.myphysioapp.com 

Remember – MyPhysio App have kindly offered a 10% discount on monthly rates –  so just use the promo code “PhysioProfessor”  when signing up to redeem this special offer.

Best Wishes

Paul Wright