Reviewed by the VitalHabitsHub team · Last reviewed June 2026. This is general information, not medical advice — see a doctor or physical therapist before starting shoulder exercises, especially after injury or surgery or with severe/worsening pain. VitalHabitsHub may earn a commission from links on this page — it never changes what we recommend.
For shoulder mobility and rehab, the best apps deliver structured exercise therapy with progression — ideally with clinician oversight — rather than random stretches. Hinge Health and Kaia Health provide guided digital physical therapy (often free through insurance), and PhysiApp delivers the program your own physical therapist prescribes. Here’s how they compare in 2026.
Hinge Health: digital PT that covers the shoulder
Hinge Health provides guided exercise therapy for musculoskeletal conditions including shoulder pain, pairing app sessions (about 15 minutes) with clinician oversight. It’s frequently available at $0 through insurance. For ongoing shoulder issues where you want professional structure, it’s the most complete option if your plan covers it.
Kaia Health: AI-guided shoulder therapy
Kaia Health offers personalized pain management for neck, shoulder, back, hip, wrist, and knee pain, with AI form feedback through your phone camera. Like Hinge, it’s usually free through health plans and employers (not sold self-pay), so check your coverage. Strong for self-guided shoulder therapy with real-time form correction.
PhysiApp: your physical therapist’s prescribed program
If you’re already seeing a physiotherapist, PhysiApp (the patient side of Physitrack) lets them assign your exact shoulder program with video demonstrations — over 3 million downloads and a 4.5-star average from 8,000+ reviews. This is the best option when you want a real clinician directing your rehab, not a generic plan.
Side-by-side comparison
| App | Cost model | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge Health | Often $0 via insurance | Guided shoulder PT + clinician oversight |
| Kaia Health | Usually free via plan/employer | Self-guided therapy + AI form feedback |
| PhysiApp | Via your PT (Physitrack) | Your therapist’s prescribed program |
Which should you try?
Working with a physio already? Ask if they use Physitrack/PhysiApp — the exact prescribed program beats any generic app. Otherwise, check whether your insurer or employer offers Hinge Health or Kaia free; both give structured, progressive shoulder therapy. For general mobility maintenance once you’re pain-free, a mobility app is a good complement.
What to expect realistically
Shoulder rehab is gradual, and the wrong exercises can aggravate conditions like impingement or a rotator-cuff tear — get a diagnosis first if pain is sharp, follows an injury, or limits overhead movement. Used appropriately, structured exercise therapy is well-supported for shoulder pain.
Frequently asked questions
Can an app rehab my shoulder?
For general mobility and many common shoulder issues, structured exercise therapy helps — but get a diagnosis first for injury-related or severe pain.
Are Hinge and Kaia free?
Frequently yes, through insurance or your employer — check your coverage; they generally aren’t sold self-pay.
What if I’m seeing a physiotherapist?
Ask about Physitrack/PhysiApp so you get their exact prescribed program on your phone.
More: see our guides to apps for lower back pain and a stronger upper body.
