Building an AI-powered Physiotherapy App like Flok Health: Examples and Features

Jake, a 35-year-old office worker in London.

Every morning, he wakes up with the same dull ache in his lower back.

It started as a small discomfort, but now it’s messing with his sleep and focus at work.

He knows he needs physiotherapy, but the NHS waiting list is endless, and taking time off work isn’t easy.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Emma in New York faces a similar struggle.

She’s one of the 65 million Americans dealing with low back pain, the most common musculoskeletal (MSK) complaint in the U.S.

Like Jake, she’s stuck waiting for an appointment, relying on painkillers in the meantime.

Back pain isn’t just personal—it’s a global healthcare challenge.

In the UK, MSK problems make up 30% of all GP visits, costing millions of lost workdays.

Traditional physiotherapy services are overwhelmed, leaving people like Jake and Emma suffering longer than they should.

Enter AI-powered physiotherapy apps like Flok Health.

As the UK’s first NHS-approved AI-run physio clinic, Flok Health offers same-day automated video appointments with an AI physiotherapist—no waiting, no hassle.

AI is reshaping healthcare, making expert care faster, more accessible, and personalized.

In this blog, we’ll break down how these apps work, why they’re the future, and how you can create one yourself.

Flok Health Co-Founders Finn Stevenson & Ric da Silva

How AI is Changing Physiotherapy—And Why It Matters

AI in physiotherapy makes diagnosis faster, treatments smarter, and rehab more effective. If you’re thinking about building an AI-powered physiotherapy app, here’s what you need to know.

AI for Faster & Smarter Diagnosis

Imagine an AI system that analyzes patient data—like symptoms, medical history, and even movement patterns from a phone camera or wearable sensor. This isn’t sci-fi; it’s real.

• Computer vision tracks movement and posture to detect imbalances. Apps like Exer Labs’ Physio use just a smartphone camera to assess and correct exercise form in real time.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) scans electronic health records (EHR) to identify patterns, saving physiotherapists time and improving treatment accuracy.
• AI-driven risk analysis predicts potential injuries or relapses, so patients get preventative care before issues get worse.

Personalized AI Treatment Plans

AI doesn’t just diagnose—it customizes rehab plans based on age, injury, and progress. These plans adjust in real time based on patient data.

• AI-powered apps and sensors guide patients through rehab exercises, correcting form and tracking progress.
• Telehealth and video analysis make remote physiotherapy easy, reducing the need for in-person visits.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) rehab make recovery engaging and interactive, boosting patient motivation.

AI & Robotics: The Future of Rehab

AI-powered robotic devices are changing rehab, especially for stroke recovery and neurorehabilitation.

• AI-assisted gait training helps people walk again by adjusting in real time.
• Robotic hands and therapy devices provide precision rehab for patients with limited movement.
• AI-driven physiotherapy robots could one day reduce therapist workload, offering specialized care on demand.

Flok Health: A UK Success Story in AI Physiotherapy

AI is transforming physiotherapy, and Flok Health is proof. This UK-based platform is the first AI-powered physiotherapy clinic approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It’s not just another health app—it’s a fully registered healthcare provider.

The Problem It Solves

Long NHS wait times for physiotherapy leave patients in pain for months. Flok Health changes that. It offers same-day AI-driven physiotherapy, reducing waitlists and easing the burden on NHS teams.

How It Works

• Instant Access: Patients can self-refer or get a referral from their GP and start treatment right away.
• AI-Powered Care: The app assesses symptoms and creates a personalized treatment plan, including exercises and pain management techniques.
• Smart Video Sessions: Instead of live calls, AI stitches together pre-recorded clips of real physiotherapists, creating a tailored experience.
• Clinical Safety: Flok developed its own tech to ensure AI-based assessments are safe, accurate, and reliable.

Why It Matters

Flok isn’t just an idea—it’s delivering results. NHS trials showed reduced wait times and high patient satisfaction.

Over 80% of users reported symptom improvement, and more than half preferred Flok over traditional physiotherapy.

The Future of AI in Physiotherapy

Flok plans to expand across the UK and add more conditions like knee osteoarthritis and pelvic health.

Its success shows that AI-powered physiotherapy is the future—offering fast, scalable, and effective care.

Why Now is the Best Time to Build an AI-Powered Physiotherapy App

AI and healthcare are evolving fast, and physiotherapy is no exception. Right now, there’s a huge opportunity for AI-powered physiotherapy apps. Here’s why:

1. A Growing Market Need

Millions of people suffer from back pain and joint issues, leading to long wait times for traditional physiotherapy.

AI-powered apps can bridge this gap by providing accessible and effective care anytime, anywhere.

2. The Rise of Virtual Care

Patients now prefer remote healthcare due to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility.

AI-driven physiotherapy apps eliminate common barriers like transportation issues and scheduling conflicts, making rehabilitation easier for everyone.

3. Advanced AI and Computer Vision

AI can now analyze movement using smartphone cameras, offering real-time feedback, tracking progress, and even personalizing exercise plans.

This mimics in-person therapist supervision, ensuring better patient adherence and outcomes.

4. Improved Patient Outcomes

AI physiotherapy platforms have shown great success, with many patients experiencing the same or even better results compared to traditional care.

5. A Profitable Business Opportunity

With scalable, AI-driven solutions, businesses can tap into a growing market while improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

Must-Have Features for Your AI-Powered Physiotherapy App

1. AI-Driven Assessment & Triage

• Collects patient symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle details.
• Uses AI to recommend personalized treatment—AI-led programs, human physiotherapists, or other healthcare services.

2. Personalized Exercise Programs with Real-Time Feedback

• Uses computer vision to analyze patient movements via smartphone cameras.
• Provides real-time corrections to ensure proper exercise form and prevent injuries.
• Tracks repetitions and progress automatically.

3. Remote Monitoring & Progress Tracking

• Syncs with smartwatches and activity trackers to monitor activity levels and sleep patterns.
• AI analyzes data to adjust treatment plans based on patient progress.

4. AI-Powered Insights with NLP

• Allows patients to describe symptoms via text or voice.
• AI interprets inputs to refine treatment recommendations.
• Can analyze medical records (with permission) for deeper insights.

5. Immersive Therapy with AR & VR (Optional but highly engaging)

• Virtual Reality (VR): Creates interactive rehab experiences in a simulated environment.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital instructions on real-world movements for better guidance.

6. Secure Communication with Physiotherapists

• Offers in-app messaging and video calls with human physiotherapists.
• Ensures patients receive expert advice and reassurance when needed.

By integrating these features, your AI physiotherapy app can provide smarter, more accessible, and highly engaging rehabilitation for patients.

Challenges in Building an AI Physiotherapy App

Navigating the Technical and Regulatory Landscape

Building an AI-powered physiotherapy app isn’t just about smart features—it must also meet strict security, compliance, and usability standards. Here’s what to consider:

1. Data Privacy and Security

Your app must comply with regulations like HIPAA (USA) and GDPR (Europe) to ensure secure data storage and processing. Strong encryption and access controls are essential to maintain user trust.

Must Read: Guide to HIPAA Compliant App Development in 2025

2. Seamless Integration with Healthcare Systems

Your app should connect with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to provide physiotherapists with instant access to patient history. However, ensuring compatibility with different healthcare systems can be a challenge.

3. Regulatory Approvals

AI-driven healthcare apps may require FDA (USA) or MHRA (UK) approvals before entering the market. Platforms like Flok Health have secured regulatory recognition, setting a benchmark for compliance.

4. Technical Infrastructure and Scalability

A robust cloud-based infrastructure ensures smooth performance, even as your user base grows. Consider redundancy, data backups, and bandwidth optimization to handle increasing demand.

A great app is one that both physiotherapists and patients can use with ease. Designing with accessibility in mind—such as intuitive navigation and support for various digital literacy levels—ensures engagement and effectiveness.