Provider Simplyhealth has partnered with a digital physiotherapy firm to offer on-demand virtual physio sessions as figures for January 2024 show there are more than 300,000 patients on a waiting list for NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services.
Phio, from EQL, will provide support and tools for people with injuries to their joints, bones and muscles via Simplyhealth’s Health Plan.
The support available is end-to-end, from assessment to rehabilitation. It also includes access to discounted in-person physiotherapy sessions with Ascenti.
MSK injuries are the second most common cause of long-term absence from work in the UK, according to data from the CIPD and Simplyhealth’s 2023 Health and Wellbeing at Work report, with ONS data also showing an increase in people experiencing back or neck pain, which reached 2.9 million in 2023 from 2.6 million in 2019.
Bryony Rhodes-Wort, clinical product executive at Simplyhealth, said: “We know the current pressure on the NHS means that patients are facing delays for MSK services – from consultation through to treatment.
“With around three-in-10 working Brits reporting back and muscle pain, employers have a responsibility to protect the MSK health of their workforce, which is exactly why we’re proud to build our pathway further through our partnership with Phio.
“By addressing muscle and joint pain quickly and effectively, employers will help staff avoid things getting worse. In providing access to comprehensive assessments, we can ensure that people are directed to the right source of care and return to work in full health more quickly.”
Jason Ward, co-founder and CEO at EQL, commented: “This is a landmark partnership between two leading companies in the workplace healthcare market. Over the coming months and years we expect that this collaboration will deliver significant improvements to the mental and physical wellbeing of the UK workforce.
“With the help of Phio, Simplyhealth customers who sustain muscle injuries or suffer from joint pain can now be supported along the optimal path to recovery with speed and convenience. Our team is looking forward to continuing to work with Simplyhealth on our mission to ensure equal access to the best MSK care.”
