In the UK, an AI-driven physiotherapy app is making waves as a potential game-changer for managing back pain, a prevalent health issue affecting millions worldwide. But can this technology truly deliver the relief we desperately seek?

When I injured my back in October 2024—perhaps from lifting my young nephew or struggling with heavy furniture—I didn’t realize that the discomfort would soon morph into something much worse. The pain radiated down my sciatic nerve, making even the simplest tasks unbearable. A few months later, after consulting a specialist in Washington, DC, I was diagnosed with "lumbar radiculopathy" and quickly referred to human physical therapists.

Fast forward to now; while receiving hands-on treatment has proven effective, I’ve also taken the plunge into the world of digital therapy via Flok Health, an AI-based physiotherapy service that the NHS has recently begun trialing. With an alarming number of people—nearly 350,000—on waiting lists for musculoskeletal treatments in the UK, as reported in September 2024, Flok positions itself as a timely solution.

Flok is not just another health app; it is the trailblazer in using artificial intelligence within the NHS, combining recorded video guidance with patient input to create personalized treatment plans. The app allows users to answer questions about their pain and activity levels, enabling the AI to adapt the sessions accordingly. Its co-founder, Finn Stevenson—a former Olympic rower—understands firsthand the barriers patients face when seeking treatment.

Stevenson and his team aim to provide immediate care for patients with non-surgical conditions. “You don’t always need elaborate treatments,” says co-founder Ric da Silva. “Sometimes, a few simple stretches can give you relief.” By focusing on uncomplicated cases, Flok seeks to alleviate waiting lists and resource strain on the NHS—an admirable mission in a healthcare system overwhelmed by demand.

My first experience with Flok involved a virtual session with my AI physiotherapist, Kirsty. In a well-designed setting, she led me through a series of questions and exercises, customizing my treatment. However, this is not a live consultation; I am guided through pre-recorded videos that adapt based on my responses, making it feel like an interactive storybook rather than a dialogue.

While Flok holds particular promise, it’s not the only player in the burgeoning field of AI-assisted physical therapy. Similar apps like selfBACK, currently in clinical trials in the US, offer personalized exercise plans by analyzing treatment outcomes from previous patients. Despite initial enthusiasm, trials indicated mixed adherence among users—illustrating that while tech can aid recovery, it cannot replace human oversight.

The effectiveness of AI in healthcare is still widely debated. Experts argue that, akin to traditional medical treatments, AI tools require robust evaluation and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy. Dr. Elizabeth A. Stuart of Johns Hopkins University emphasizes that AI systems evolve post-deployment, necessitating ongoing assessments.

Ultimately, my sessions with Flok showed improvement, but I realized that the app might not be the ideal choice for everyone. My lack of coordination means I need the attentive guidance of human therapists to avoid injury. However, as AI technology continues to develop, the potential for future enhancements—such as real-time monitoring of movements—holds promise.

As Flok expands its reach and diversifies its offerings, it may very well be the future of physiotherapy. For anyone struggling with back pain, it presents an innovative option, but the necessity for human-like interaction remains crucial for many patients like me.