This World Physiotherapy Day (8.9.25) we celebrate the profession’s impact; 65,000 experts keeping the UK’s 70 million people moving, able to work and living pain free.
30% of GP visits are for musculoskeletal conditions (back, neck, joint pain etc) and physiotherapy is linked to shorter recovery times, reduced medication use, and fewer hospital readmissions. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after physiotherapy show significant improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life.
But we also need to ask hard questions about the pressure the profession is under. In the UK last year, MSK disorders drove ~7.8 million lost working days. They are the second most common reason given for sickness absence in 2024 (after minor illness) and the number one cause of disability in the world. Let that sink in. More than heart disease. More than cancer.
Numbers waiting for treatment have increased by 27% in less than two years as the UK’s population ages. In the UK, there is one physiotherapist for every 1,136 people, compared to one for every 430 in Germany and Australia where there is one for every 742 people. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is calling on the government to grow registered physio numbers by at least seven per cent per year. At this rate it would take five years to bring us closer in line with international comparisons with one physio for every 810 people.
But if MSK conditions are rising, if waiting lists are lengthening, and if costs are escalating, then simply doing more of the same isn’t enough.
The future of physiotherapy lies in integration: blending clinical expertise with digital technology to make care more accessible, consistent and preventative.
Imagine living with constant back or joint pain—and being told to wait 18 months just to see a physio. That’s reality for millions. That’s not care — it’s waiting for pain to become chronic. We’ve had people come to us and say: ‘I gave up. By the time they called back, I had already accepted the pain.’
That’s devastating. Because we know this: the earlier you intervene, the better your recovery. When people are seen quickly, they stick to plans. They heal faster. They avoid surgery. But when care is delayed, pain becomes chronic. Habits worsen. Motivation disappears.
DocHQ PhysioAI was built to interrupt that spiral. DocHQ lets you book online and get assessed within 24–48 hours. It’s remote and we give people immediate access, guided care, and real-time support—so they can recover before things get worse, because nobody should be left to silently live in pain. We can do better. And we are.
DocHQ was built on the belief that physiotherapy should be continuous, accessible, and engaging, not something that begins and ends in the clinic. Our digital physiotherapy solution transforms care by:
- Catching problems early: AI tracks subtle changes in movement, strength, and balance before they spiral into bigger issues.
- Ensuring exercises are done correctly: real-time movement analysis provides instant feedback, reducing risk and wasted effort.
- Keeping people on track: daily nudges, reminders, and progress tracking turn good intentions into lasting habits.
- Bridging the gap between sessions: clinicians can see how patients are doing remotely and step in when extra support is needed.
And the good news is that we’re recruiting. If you know a physio who is looking to progress their career, here’s what they can expect:
- Patient Centric – focus more on patient care and less on admin with 30 minute appointments and all notes and follow-ups managed securely in one place.
- Remote Access – work from home, choose your hours and earn extra income.
- Extensive Resources – 600 pre-loaded workouts using some of the 2000 plus exercises on the system, specifically designed for nearly 80 conditions to save you time.
- Monitoring & Mentoring – clinical & technical support from a helpdesk, WhatsApp group, CPD course and MACP Physios to help you progress.
- Make a Real Impact – help patients access high-quality physiotherapy from wherever they are, breaking down geographical barriers.
Watch this message from DocHQ’s CEO
