We know that exercise and education are effective in treating many joint conditions. Exercise has been shown to improve pain and function to a similar degree to painkiller tablets like paracetamol and ibuprofen*, and it has no side effects and is safe for everyone so can be a particularly good option for older people and those with other medical problems.
*You can read a great summary study here: [link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36593092/]
Joint Academy is a digital physiotherapy programme, delivering a 12-week programme of exercises and education through an app on your phone or tablet, tailored to you and your MSK condition.
If you're assigned to Joint Academy, we’ll send you an email or SMS invitation with a link to download the app, and an access code. Every future step is provided through the app.
- Quick screening questionnaire about your symptoms
- Initial video consultation including setting treatment goals
- Personalised programme of exercises and education set up for you
- Short daily exercises and education sessions delivered via app
- Exercises adapt as needed (more challenging or easier) according to your feedback
- Progress tracked in the app and gentle reminders to keep your routine going
- Follow-up video call at 6 weeks and at end of treatment at 12 weeks
What you get
- Your own physiotherapist for guidance, secure messaging and check-ins
- Personalised digital exercise programme that adapts to your progress
- Smart education to help you understand and manage your condition
- Progress tracking and reminders on your phone to keep you motivated
- You give feedback via secure messaging or responding to exercises
Joint Academy is built on clinical evidence showing that exercise and education are effective for many musculoskeletal conditions. Both research and real-world results show that people using Joint Academy report meaningful improvements in pain and function, reduced use of pain medication, and less interest in surgery.
Here are some facts and figures about Joint Academy:
- 200,000+ patients treated so far
- 85% report reduced joint pain
- 42% reduce or stop painkillers
- 47% reconsider surgery
- 99% patient satisfaction
- 40+ published studies
Seeing results can take a few weeks, so please stick with the programme. However, if your symptoms don’t improve, let the Joint Academy team know and they’ll refer you back to Circle MSK and we’ll plan your next steps – like face-to-face physiotherapy.
There’s no need to return to your GP.
You need to be referred to your local Circle MSK service – please ask the person referring you to let us know you’re keen for Joint Academy. Please make sure we get your up-to-date email and mobile number too!
Our clinical team will need to check that your condition is suitable to be managed with Joint Academy, but if so we’ll be happy to get you set up.
I’ve had an excellent experience at MSK in Bedford. From the physio – who was superb, through to the consultant app.
The exercises they prescribed made a difference in 3 days and now just over a week after seeing them, the pain is MILES better.