Joint pain can be incredibly difficult to manage, especially for those who experience chronic or regular pains.
In fact, joint pain is a huge problem in the UK with around 34.4% of the population experiencing chronic pain.
According to Versus Arthritis, 10 million people in the UK have Osteoarthritis (OA), an estimated 5.4 million people have knee OA, and an estimated 3.2 million people have hip OA.
Luckily, tech and startups have come to the rescue, offering new ways to manage and reduce joint pain.
How Have Tech And Startups Helped People Manage Pain?
As Brits continue to struggle with long NHS waiting lists, tech and startups have stepped up to provide some everyday pain relief.
Whether it’s through wearable devices, posture correction technology or stretching apps – they have certainly helped people take care of their joints.
Here, we take a look at some of the companies making waves in this sector. Let’s jump in…
OrthoPreserve
OrthoPreserve is helping people relieve their knee pain through the development of its meniscus implant.
Not yet approved but designed for those with knee pain, specifically in the meniscus, the company is pioneering tech that helps with joint pain treatment.
Sword Health
Physical inactivity can be a huge contributor to joint pain. Sword Health is an AI platform that uses camera sensors to guide people through an exercise programme that helps them move in a way that will reduce their joint pain.
The system adjusts posture in real-time, helping patients get the right level of support and guidance throughout their exercises.
The system allows for real-time adjustments and ensures that patients receive the correct form and intensity during their exercises, making it a powerful tool for those dealing with joint pain.
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NeuroMetrix
NeuroMetrix focuses on developing non-invasive devices to help people manage chronic pain, including joint pain.
Their main pain-relief product, Quell, is a nerve stimulation device that uses signals to block pain sensors. This allows people to access non-invasive and non-medical options to manage their joint pain, helping them live more pain-free lives.
Roam Robotics
Roam Robotics has created wearable robotic tech that can improve mobility and reduce joint pain, specifically in the knees.
Their hero product Ascend, is a wearable exoskeleton designed to reduce pressure on the knees during physical activity.
It is particularly useful for those that want to continue an active lifestyle as it provides support for the knees whilst insuring they are continuously protected.
Hinge Health
Hinge Health combines exercise with guidance by allowing users to set goals, track their pain relief and connect with registered physicians.
By tracking movement, physicians are able to track exercises, suggest modifications and ensure patients stay on track.
The company provides relief for pelvic pain and strengthening, an area that can be highly sensitive before and after giving birth.
SmartPosture
SmartPosture is an app with a simple but effective solution for ensuring good posture, which is important in preventing joint pain in the back and neck.
The app sends gentle reminders to correct posture when a person’s phone use might point to them having poor posture. By pointing this out, SmartPosture can help reduce strain on joints and muscles, helping to prevent or alleviate pain.
SitApp
SitApp is another posture correction software, but this time designed to work through a desktop – when a user is sitting for long periods of time.
Sitting can contribute to joint pain, especially if a person is not stretching or moving their body regularly. The app reminds people to take breaks, stretch, better their posture and help to relieve tension and stiffness in their joints and muscles.
By encouraging people to move more throughout the day, SitApp helps to prevent joint pain associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Kaia Health
Kaia Health provides personalised safe exercise training plans to help reduce pain, particularly in the back.
As exercise and movement can be a useful tool against pain, the app provides safe guidance to ensure people exercise in the right way.