What needs an emergency department right now?
Call 999 or go to an emergency department straight away for any sign below. Do not wait for a physiotherapy appointment.
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, or slurred speech, which can be a stroke.
- Chest pain, pressure in the chest, or severe breathlessness.
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any before, or fainting.
- A serious injury, a deformed limb, or being unable to put any weight on a leg after a fall.
- Heavy bleeding, or a wound that gapes open.
- After a back problem: new loss of control of the bladder or bowel, or numbness around the groin and inner thighs.
In Ipoh, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun has a government emergency department. Private hospitals with emergency departments include KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital and Pantai Hospital Ipoh. Go to the nearest one that can see you quickly.
What should I bring and say when I get there?
Bring the identity card, the medicine list and any recent discharge letter or scan reports. A family member can help by writing down when the symptoms began, because that time matters.
Tell the team about any surgery, blood thinners, diabetes or heart problems. Once you are safe, let us know on WhatsApp so we can plan around the doctors’ advice.
What needs a doctor within a day or two?
Book a doctor’s visit soon, ideally within a day or two, if you notice any of the following. A physiotherapist can come after the doctor has seen you.
- A calf that is swollen, warm and painful, especially after surgery or long bed rest.
- A wound after surgery that is red, hot, leaking or smelling, or a fever.
- A joint that is suddenly hot, red and swollen.
- Pain at night that wakes you and does not ease with a change of position, or pain with unexplained weight loss.
- Numbness or weakness that is spreading, or a foot that drags.
- New dizziness, double vision or fainting spells.
- A fall that has left you scared to walk, or a second fall within a short time.
Physiotherapy can still be part of the plan afterwards. The doctor decides what is safe first.
When is physiotherapy a good place to start?
Physiotherapy is a good place to start when pain, stiffness, weakness or balance problems are slowing your day, and none of the signs above are present. Typical examples are an aching back after a long drive, a stiff knee, a shoulder that hurts when you reach, or recovery after surgery when your surgeon has cleared exercise.
Whether a referral is needed for insurance claims varies, so check with your doctor or insurer. Our first visit guide explains what happens next.
What should I do if exercise makes things worse?
Mild muscle soreness that settles within a day is normal. Stop and speak to your doctor or physiotherapist the same day if you feel sharp or growing pain, new swelling, chest tightness, dizziness or numbness that spreads.
This applies to exercises from our pages too, which is why a physiotherapist should check you before you start. Our disclaimer explains the limits of web pages.
What about older adults and stroke survivors?
Older adults can become unwell without dramatic signs. New confusion, sudden drowsiness, a change in how they walk or a refusal to eat can be the first clue, so call the doctor.
For a family member who has had a stroke, any new weakness, speech change or severe headache is an emergency, even if it looks like the earlier stroke. Read about stroke rehabilitation at home and balance and falls.
How do I tell you about a symptom?
Message us on WhatsApp and describe what happened, when it began and what the doctor has said. We will tell you if we think you should see a doctor first, and when physiotherapy can start. See how care works for the full path.