New online symptom checker tool helps people to understand and manage their pain
People with joint and muscle complaints are being helped to understand and manage their symptoms thanks to a new easy-to-use online tool from Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT).
NHFT's Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy team has launched the new symptom checker, which is available for anyone to use for free on the Trust's website from any smartphone, tablet or computer.
The tool was developed to help improve people's access to self-help resources and help them find the right services for their needs, first time. This is part of the MSK Physiotherapy team's wider work to reduce long waits for the service.
NHFT Advanced Physiotherapist James Bell (pictured right), who has led the development of the new tool, said: "If you are waiting for a physiotherapy appointment or you've simply not got around to seeking help for a joint or muscle problem, our new online symptom checker can help you take control of your musculoskeletal health in just a few clicks.
"By using this free tool, you can quickly and easily get a better understanding of your problem and find a self-help support programme that's right for you - helping you to ease any symptoms and speed your recovery."
NHFT's physiotherapy symptom checker focuses on the key areas of the body where people commonly experience musculoskeletal pain - the back, the neck and the joints.
The user chooses the area of the body where they are experiencing discomfort and they are guided through the tool with a series of simple questions.
Where the symptom checker can identify a specific condition that can be managed by the individual, it recommends a bespoke programme of exercises, lifestyle advice and further information which together can help to ease symptoms and offer the best chance of a speedy recovery.
Where professional support is needed to either treat a condition or help with a diagnosis, the tool will provide full details of what to do next.
Try the online physiotherapy symptom checker today on the NHFT website.
The symptom checker in numbers
4,977 web page visits since June launch
2,566 individual users