Digital health Apps on prescription – support for musculoskeletal disorders

Digital health apps (DiGA) – also known as apps on prescription – are mobile apps or web applications that can be prescribed for medical purposes. They are sometimes also referred to as health apps. DiGA can support the treatment of a range of musculoskeletal disorders.

Apps on prescription are used, for example, to treat 

• back pain
• chronic pain of various types 
• knee problems
• shoulder problems

All currently reimbursable apps available on prescription can be found in the DiGA directory compiled by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). 

Various digital health apps (DiGA) are available to support the treatment of back pain. The apps seek to alleviate back pain. 

The apps generally begin by collecting personal information about the user, such as the location and severity of the back pain, as well as details of physical fitness and any restrictions on mobility. This allows the treatment to be adapted to the user's individual requirements and needs. 

Movement exercises constitute the main element of these apps. In addition, they often provide relaxation exercises, progress reports and background information about back pain.

Digital health apps (DiGA) for the treatment of chronic pain aim to make it easier for patients to cope with chronic pain. The goal is to reduce the extent to which thinking about pain dominates a person's daily life. These DiGA can support ongoing treatment, bridge the gap while waiting for treatment, or be used as a stand-alone treatment.

The apps offer online courses that comprise various components, depending on the specifics of the individual app. For example, these courses usually begin by providing information about chronic pain. This allows the online course to be adapted to the user and their needs. Symptoms are often also collected and evaluated as part of the course. Symptoms can be logged as well the progress that may be seen during the course.

The content of the online course is presented in video, audio and text format. A core component of the app is to provide information about chronic pain. Armed with this knowledge, the user can learn strategies and exercises with the assistance of the app which may help with pain management. For example, the app may include mindfulness exercises, relaxation exercises or behavioral training.

Several digital health apps (DiGA) are available for various conditions relating to the knee joint. For example:

• problems in the area of the kneecap
• injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament 
• damage to the meniscus 

The apps offer exercise programs that are adapted to the specific condition or injury. In some cases, the patient’s doctor may decide in advance which program or which exercises are suitable for the patient’s needs. In this way, the physical training is specifically adapted to the individual user. The exercise programs in the DiGA consist of videos that demonstrate how to do the exercises as correctly as possible. 

The apps usually also provide background information and options to document symptoms and progress made with the exercise program. These apps can be used to complement physiotherapy, to bridge the gap while waiting for treatment or as a stand-alone treatment.

A digital health application (DiGA) offers special exercise programs for people experiencing shoulder problems. The app provides videos demonstrating the exercises, which can be adapted to suit the individual user’s issues. The exercises aim, for example, to promote mobility in the shoulders and to strengthen the surrounding muscles. The exercises can be specifically adapted to the individual needs of the user, who can enter personal details of the pain and discomfort they are experiencing. The app can be used to complement therapy, to bridge the gap while waiting for treatment or as a stand-alone treatment.

Digital health apps (DiGA) can support the treatment of the disorders for which they were developed. However, there are also reasons why DiGA may not be suitable in certain individual situations. It is best to decide whether or not to use a specific DiGA in cooperation with a doctor or psychotherapist.

You can gain access to a DiGA if it is prescribed for you by a doctor or psychotherapist. You can also apply for the DiGA from your health insurance fund directly. To do this, you may need to submit a document certifying the relevant diagnosis.

If several DiGA are available for your condition, you can compare the content of the apps in the DiGA directory. You can then work with your treatment provider to determine which DiGA best suits your needs.  

If you have any questions about access to a DiGA or its approval, use or security, please read the introductory article Digital health applications (DiGA) – apps on prescription.