Free NHS App Could Save Cornwall Patients a Trip to the GP

Joint pain at 2am. A twinged back on a Saturday morning. A dodgy knee that flares up the moment the surgery closes for the weekend. For anyone in Cornwall who has been there, help is now sitting in your pocket.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has rolled out getUBetter, a free app aimed at people dealing with joint and muscle problems. It is approved by local clinicians and works alongside existing NHS care, offering tailored tips, advice, and exercises.

What it covers

The app handles a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot problems. It also covers sprains and strains, back and leg pain, upper and lower limb tendinopathy, and combined back and leg issues.

Users get easy-to-follow exercises they can progress at their own pace, advice on when to seek further help, and information on local treatments and services. There is also a Touch to Speak function in 20 languages, including Welsh, Polish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Mandarin, Nepalese, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.

Why self-care matters

Most MSK injuries and conditions can be treated at home without needing a specialist appointment. The aim of the app is to give people the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their own recovery, particularly during the gaps when healthcare professionals cannot be on hand.

Susan Bracefield, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, said: “This app is about giving people confidence and clarity when they’re dealing with joint or muscle pain.”

Susan added: “With clear advice, tailored exercises, and local support, getUBetter helps people recover well and get back to doing the things that matter to them.”

Who can use it

The app is open to anyone aged 16 or over living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who has a joint or muscle problem. It promises 24/7 support, easy access, and pathways approved by local clinicians.

How to sign up

You can download the app here. Once downloaded, create an account, enter your postcode, select your GP practice, and choose your condition to follow a personalised pathway.

Anyone needing extra help getting started can email [email protected].