“Physio for your pocket”
The Leipzig-based company eCovery is becoming a pioneer in digital physiotherapy thanks to leap:up’s targeted support
eCovery has developed an innovative physio app that helps patients treat back, knee and hip pain flexibly, based on their own individual needs. The company hopes to use this technology to facilitate easier access to health therapies for everyone. eCovery is supported by the Saxon biotech cluster leap:up, from quality assurance to networking with investors.
The ‘Physio for your pocket’ app makes physiotherapy more accessible than ever before: Thanks to video instructions tailored to the user’s complaints and goals, patients can perform and document their exercises right away at home. An initial medical history program records injuries and illnesses as well as all relevant restrictions to create a tailored therapy plan.
Flexible training, independent of on-site appointments
The app is particularly suitable for everyday use thanks to functions such as the integration of training times, knowledge courses and ‘Mobi-Fix’ units, short exercises that can be carried out directly at the workplace, for example. This flexibility means that eCovery has been able to bridge the gap between traditional physiotherapy appointments and independent training. The app has already established itself as a medical product and is covered by health insurance companies such as AOK Plus. With large-scale advertising campaigns, like those on advertising pillars in Leipzig, eCovery is not only increasing awareness, but also trust in digital health solutions.
Back therapy now also available as an ‘app on prescription’
Just in time for the end of 2024, the Leipzig founders have achieved another milestone: The therapy developed specifically for the lower back has been included in the register of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices [BfArM] as a digital health application [DiGA] and can now be prescribed by any doctor in Germany. This makes the app one of only eight applications in the whole of Germany that have been approved for the musculoskeletal sector, and eCovery GmbH one of only 38 companies that offer such digital therapies.
The rapid development of eCovery from start-up to DiGA provider hardly would have been possible without the support of leap:up. The cluster has accompanied the team led by Dr Alexander Georgi, Marcus Rehwald, Raphael Ibele and Benedict Rehbein since the start-up phase and plays an essential role in quality assurance and further development.
The services provided by leap:up include:
- Quality management: leap:up supports eCovery’s comprehensive quality management system (QMS). This includes documenting processes, updating technical documentation and releasing new app versions. This ensures that the app complies with strict regulatory requirements even when new features and indications are introduced.
- External expertise: During the parental leave cover for an internal QA/RA manager, leap:up initially took on advisory tasks. The cluster now takes care of technical documentation and regulatory compliance.
- Networking and financing: leap:up supports eCovery in contacting investors and drawing up financing plans. By participating in workshops and events, the cluster provides valuable contacts to investors. Leap:up also provides essential support for the company by offering strategic advice on acquiring funding and presenting at industry-specific events.
Thanks to the collaboration with leap:up, eCovery has not only established itself as an innovative solution in the field of digital physiotherapy, but also as an attractive partner for investors. The cluster has helped the start-up to overcome technological hurdles, meet regulatory requirements and simultaneously secure the financial basis for further growth. With a clear focus on innovation and a close connection between science, technology and business, Leipzig is further expanding its position as a hub for digital health solutions. eCovery impressively demonstrates how technology can promote patient autonomy and sustainably improve medical care.
