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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help after treatment if you develop:
Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side
Facial drooping, trouble speaking, confusion, or loss of balance
Sudden severe or unusual headache or neck pain
New vision loss or double vision
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if soreness is severe, keeps worsening, lasts longer than expected, or prevents normal activity.
Also report new tingling, numbness, weakness, marked swelling, extensive bruising, or symptoms that are clearly different from those you had before treatment.
These symptoms require urgent assessment rather than waiting for the next appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate if treatment is not helping, benefits last only briefly, or you are unsure whether to continue.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Manual therapy or bodywork. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.