There are some fantastic health and wellbeing apps out there. Here we’re sharing some tried and tested Apple apps that we are loving here at goPhysio.
All of these apps have been designed to help support and encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle.
1. ESCAPE-Pain: Enabling management of arthritic pain
ESCAPE-pain is an innovative, award-winning rehabilitation programme for people with long standing knee and hip joint pain. This programme is delivered in the NHS in some areas and approved by NICE – the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
This app was developed in conjunction with physiotherapists from the Health Innovation Network in London to bring the ESCAPE-Pain programme to more people.
During 12 sessions, over 6 weeks the app will provide:
- Engaging animations giving simple advice and information that help you learn what is good and bad for you, so that you can help yourself cope better with the effects of joint pain.
- Short, quality HD videos show you how to perform simple exercises, removing the guesswork of whether you are doing the exercises correctly, and help you become more active.
- Plot your progress to see how you are improving.
This is a really well known app, but definitely deserves a mention. It is well known that meditation can help improve your focus, exercise mindful awareness, relieve anxiety and reduce stress.
The aim of Headspace is ‘Meditation made simple’. It provides guided meditations suitable for all levels.
Whether you just want to take some time out for yourself, if you’re suffering with pain and want to try some alternative coping mechanisms, or want to address issues sleeping – meditation can be very powerful.
I’ve mentioned this app before. If you like self improvement or motivational books but don’t always get the time to read, this app is perfect.
Blinkist distills the key insights of 1,500+ bestselling nonfiction books into powerful 15-minute reads or listens. Boost your knowledge and gain new perspectives to become a better, smarter you.
This app will help you:
- Sharpen your professional skills with the best business books in your field.
- Explore your many-sided self with the most impactful self-improvement titles.
- Discover new perspectives on the world with bestsellers on economics, science, history & culture.
- Stay on top of the latest trends and ideas in your professional field.
4. Moment
We use our hand held devices so much nowadays. The full extent on the impact of such heavy device use is still unknown. Besides the obvious neck, shoulder, hand and wrist problems that are developing due to long term device us, there are huge potential social and psychological impacts. (Have a read of this book if you’re interested in finding out more.)
So, do you really know how long you’ve used your device for in a day? What else could you spend that precious time doing? I’m sure the true amount of time spent on devices may shock some people.
Moment is an iOS app that automatically tracks how much you use your iPhone and iPad each day. If you’re using your phone too much, you can set daily limits on yourself and be notified when you go over. You can even force yourself off your device when you’re over your limit.
This is a fantastic app to bring some transparency to device us, particularly great for younger members of the family.
5. Stand Up! The work break timer
We’ve all heard the media and research suggests that sitting for long periods of time isn’t great for us. If you’re a desk based worker or sit for long periods of time, it’s recommended to stand up and move about regularly and vary your working positions. However, it’s not always easy to do this when you’re engrossed in a task.
Stand Up! is a fun, flexible work break timer app. It’s also great for RSI or work related upper limb sufferers, or anyone that needs to take regular breaks.
This fairly simplistic app gives advice on common muscle, back & joint problems. Although it only provides simple information, it is a great starting point if you’ve suffered an injury or are in pain and looking for some general advice.
