AI Physiotherapist “Flok” Begins Helping UK Patients Manage Back Pain Remotely
A new AI-based app called Flok Health is being used in the UK to assist patients suffering from lower back pain. Instead of waiting for in-person physiotherapy, patients interact with a virtual AI physiotherapist that provides tailored treatment plans and exercise videos.
Flok was developed by former Olympic rower Finn Stevenson and tech specialist Ric da Silva to handle straightforward musculoskeletal cases that do not require scans or hands-on intervention. The system guides users via structured paths determined by their responses, selecting from over a billion possible combinations to tailor advice.
Unlike more open generative AI, Flok uses a controlled system design that avoids fabricating medical advice. It is already active in Scotland and expanding in England, with plans to address other conditions like hip pain and women’s pelvic health in future updates.
Still, experts caution there are limitations. AI physiotherapy depends heavily on patient self-reporting and adherence. In more complex or ambiguous cases, traditional physiotherapists and diagnostic tools remain essential. Additionally, there is concern about “AI hallucinations” where the system might produce inaccurate or misleading outputs, which heightens the need for rigorous oversight.
A broader view of AI in low back pain shows mixed results. Meta-analyses suggest AI-assisted physiotherapy might reduce pain and improve function, but differences compared to standard care are not always statistically strong. Research also indicates that AI’s strength lies more in recognizing patterns and guiding self-management than in replacing human clinical judgment.
As Flok scales, it could meaningfully reduce wait times and expand access to care—especially for patients in remote areas or with mild to moderate back pain. Still, success depends on patient compliance, safety design, integration with human clinicians, and ongoing validation.
