Best for quick self-help with a before/after check
People who want to try something concrete themselves, and see in their own numbers whether it helps.
- Free to start: Yes, start free
- Type: Self-help + before/after score
- Made for: Everyday aches around the body
- Web app – no App Store rating yet
Tap the area that bothers you, get one concrete step for that area with a short video, and rate the same thing before and after.
Pros
- Concrete: one step at a time, with video
- You rate before and after, so you can see if it helps
- Free to start, no download needed
- Made by Rune Åbø, a hands-on therapist for many years, using his own method
Cons
- A new service with far fewer users than the big apps
- No App Store app yet – it opens in your browser
- Gives no diagnosis and does not replace health care
- If you take warfarin (Marevan), have lymph cancer or severe pain without a known cause, talk to a doctor before you try the self-treatment.
Price: Free to start. Premium and Premium+ subscriptions, both with a 7-day free trial. The price is shown in your currency at checkout.
PFU Pocket is our own product. We reviewed it against the same criteria as the others, and we earn money if you choose it.
Best structured exercise program
People who want a daily exercise program for muscle and joint pain.
- Free to start: Free download
- Type: Exercise program
- Made for: Muscle and joint pain
- ★ 4.7 of 5 (7,067 ratings)
A digital exercise program for muscle and joint pain, where the phone camera gives feedback on your movements.
Pros
- Structured daily program
- Movement feedback via the camera
- Combines exercise, relaxation and education
Cons
- Mostly a fixed program, less about quick relief
- Subscription for the full program
Price: Free download, subscription or access through a partner for the full program. Check the current price in the app.
Best for understanding chronic pain
People with long-lasting pain who want to understand it better.
- Free to start: Free intro lessons
- Type: Pain education + mind training
- Made for: Long-lasting (chronic) pain
- ★ 4.4 of 5 (1,461 ratings)
Pain education and mind-body exercises for people with persistent pain.
Pros
- A good introduction to how chronic pain works
- Many short lessons and exercises
- Free to try
Cons
- No hands-on techniques or treatment
- Subscription for the full content
Price: Some free intro lessons, then a subscription. Check the current price in the app.
Best pain and symptom diary
People who want to track symptoms, mood and habits and look for patterns.
- Free to start: Yes, basic version
- Type: Diary
- Made for: Any symptoms
- ★ 4.8 of 5 (6,373 ratings)
A flexible diary where you log symptoms, mood and habits, and see connections over time.
Pros
- Very flexible
- Good graphs over time
- Free basic version
Cons
- Gives no advice or treatment
Price: Free basic version, premium with a trial. Check the current price in the app.
Best for reports to your doctor
People who want to share a clear pain record with a doctor or physiotherapist.
- Free to start: Yes, basic version
- Type: Diary
- Made for: Any pain
- ★ 4.7 of 5 (493 ratings)
A pain diary with reports you can share with your doctor or physiotherapist.
Pros
- Reports that fit a doctor's appointment
- Simple daily logging
Cons
- Gives no advice or treatment
Price: Free basic version, paid version for more. Check the current price in the app.
