WPA is expanding its musculoskeletal pathway to SME and retail customers to meet the growing demand for MSK therapy.
This effort attempts to increase treatment availability, prevent small conditions from deteriorating, and speed up recovery.
The pathway, which is sponsored by Ascenti and Nuffield Hospitals, provides up to five face-to-face or virtual physio sessions without requiring a GP referral, while retaining therapeutic benefits and other choices.
According to WPA, Almost one-third of the UK population, around 20 million, have a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition.
WPA estimates that almost 20 million people in the UK suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. MSK difficulties rose from 17.6 per cent in 2022 to 18.4 per cent in 2023, with more women (20.9 per cent) than males (15.8 per cent).
MSK disorders cause about 30 million lost working days each year and account for 30 per cent of all GP appointments in England.
WPA head of retail and commercial Sharon Shier says: “Whether at home or work, a bad back is a real pain. We want to smooth the process for customers by helping them identify a provider and assist in booking appointments.
“Pathways, which are crucial to our customers’ quality of life, underline our wellbeing strategy to promote prevention and enable early intervention. All a customer needs to do is call WPA, and we will set them on the road to diagnosis and recovery.
“With immediate access to a physio, this initiative will enhance access to treatment and assist with booking appointments, further extending what we can do for our customers.”