Your safety first
When to See a Doctor Before Manual Therapy
Most pain can be treated directly with osteopathy, massage or physiotherapy, without a referral. Some signs, however, need a doctor or emergency care first. If you recognize any of the signs below, don't book yet — get medical care first.
Emergency: 911. If unsure, call Info-Santé at 811, 24/7.
Back and sciatica
- •Loss of bladder or bowel control
- •Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- •Progressive weakness in one or both legs
- •Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- •Constant night pain that no position relieves
Neck and head
- •Sudden, extreme headache — "the worst of my life"
- •Trouble speaking, double vision, facial drooping
- •Stiff neck with fever
- •Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- •Neck pain after a major impact or fall on the head
Chest and breathing
- •Chest pain or tightness, especially with effort
- •Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw or back
- •Unusual or sudden shortness of breath
Limbs, bones and joints
- •Visible deformity or inability to bear weight after a fall
- •A swollen, warm and painful calf
- •A red, hot, swollen joint with fever
- •Cold, pale or bluish fingers or toes
Abdomen, pregnancy and babies
- •Severe abdominal pain, rigid belly, persistent vomiting
- •In pregnancy: bleeding, fluid loss, severe headaches, reduced baby movement
- •Baby with fever, refusing to feed, unusual drowsiness or inconsolable crying
Skin
- •A mole that changes shape or colour, or bleeds
- •Rapidly spreading, hot redness with fever
- •A sore that has not healed after several weeks
Frequently asked questions
No warning signs?
You can book directly. Find the right approach for your problem.