sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Physical therapy: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, signs of stroke, or sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with new leg weakness or numbness.

    These concerns usually do not require emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your therapist or healthcare team promptly if you develop persistent swelling, worsening pain, a new inability to bear weight, increasing wound redness or drainage, or new numbness or weakness after treatment.

    Seek urgent medical advice for a hot, swollen, painful leg, especially if it is new or affects one side.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These are not routine effects of physical therapy.

The article also says

For ordinary muscle soreness, difficulty completing exercises, or questions about your plan, contact the therapy clinic during normal hours.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Physical therapy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.