Ascenti launches hybrid physio service

Andreas Hessner, head physiotherapist of digital therapies, Ascenti

Physiotherapy provider Ascenti has launched a physio-led app to help patients manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

The Reach app is a hybrid of remote and face-to-face care, offering patients app-based self-management tools and onward referral to both virtual physiotherapy and in-clinic support.

Alongside digital triage, the app provides personalised video exercise plans and 24/7 access to online clinician support, with additional tools including progress trackers and educational articles.

According to a recent study by Ascenti, the app can significantly improve patient engagement. Nearly half of those who trialled the app used it more than five times a week and over half were still using it after eight weeks.

The trials, which involved 12,000 patients, also found the app to be clinically effective for the treatment of both minor and more serious MSK problems with high levels of patient satisfaction.

Andreas Hessner, head physiotherapist of digital therapies at Ascenti, said: ‘As well as alleviating current pressures on the NHS, Reach also poses a significant opportunity within private medical insurance and occupational health markets to provide added value to service-users, through offering this innovative and cost-effective physiotherapy service as an alternative to traditional forms of treatment.’