Prehab: Physical Therapy, Pain

What it does

Prehab is a mobile app designed to bridge the gap between clinical physical therapy and general fitness. It provides users with structured, expert-led programs and individual workouts aimed at reducing pain, preventing injuries, and improving mobility and athletic performance. The content is created by doctors of physical therapy, lending it a high degree of credibility.

Where it shines

Prehab excels by combining expert guidance with a flexible user experience. The onboarding is a prime example. It quickly converts users by placing a well-designed paywall upfront (00:39) and then immediately personalizes the experience with a post-subscription quiz (01:17). Within the main app, the integration of educational videos alongside workouts (04:22) empowers users to understand the 'why' behind their routines. Furthermore, the ability to create highly specific custom workouts (08:35) provides immense value for users who want to take control of their training.

UX highlights

Structured Program Progression: The app breaks down long programs into weeks and days, with clear indicators for completed sessions (03:29). This visual progress tracking helps maintain motivation.
Comprehensive Filtering: The workout library at 07:56 features an extensive filtering system, allowing users to find exercises by body region, time, difficulty, and equipment. This is a powerful tool for self-directed users.
In-Video Instructions: Exercise videos include clear, concise instructional overlays (02:53), ensuring users understand proper form without having to read long text blocks.
Integrated Timers and Controls: The workout player (02:48) has built-in timers, rest periods, and simple controls to move between exercises, creating a focused, hands-free experience during sessions.
Contextual Reminders: After the first session, the app intelligently prompts the user to set up notifications (02:15), tying the request to a moment of high engagement.
Clear Information Hierarchy: Screens like the program overview (01:47) present key information (duration, frequency, required equipment) upfront, helping users make informed decisions quickly.

Monetization & growth

Prehab's monetization strategy is built around a premium subscription, introduced early in the user journey. The app uses a soft paywall after account creation (00:39), offering a one-week free trial for its annual plan. The paywall is persuasive, highlighting a significant discount ("Save 66%"), breaking down the price to a monthly equivalent, and building trust through a trial timeline and video testimonials from other members. After completing a program, the user is also prompted to rate the app (04:53), a common tactic for driving positive App Store reviews.

Who it’s for

This app is ideal for two main groups. First, individuals dealing with nagging pains or recovering from minor injuries who are looking for expert guidance without the cost of in-person physical therapy. Second, proactive fitness enthusiasts and athletes who want to incorporate prehab and mobility work into their routines to prevent future injuries and optimize performance. The content's scientific backing makes it suitable for users who value credibility and expert knowledge.

Notes & opportunities

The app is content-rich and well-structured, but the user experience could be slightly smoother. The transition from completing a session back to the program screen involves multiple taps and celebratory screens (03:23 to 03:35), which could be streamlined. While the post-subscription quiz is a strong filter, offering a small, interactive demo or assessment before the paywall could potentially increase the initial conversion rate by giving users a taste of the app's personalized approach.