Okuzeka
Physiotherapy vocabulary · Assessment and Examination

Red flags

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, red flags means: Signs or symptoms that suggest a possibly serious medical problem, such as cancer, infection, fracture or nerve compression, which needs urgent medical review.

In Turkish: kırmızı bayraklar, alarm bulguları

How it is used

Physiotherapists screen for red flags in every subjective assessment, for example unexplained weight loss, constant night pain, a history of cancer, or numbness around the saddle area with bladder changes. If red flags are present, the patient is referred on for medical review. 'Yellow flags' are psychological and social factors that can slow recovery.

Example sentences

  1. I screened for red flags and found nothing worrying.

  2. Night sweats and weight loss are red flags, so I've asked the GP to see him today.

Common collocations

  • screen for red flags
  • red flag questions
  • no red flags
  • yellow flags
  • subjective assessmentThe first part of a physiotherapy assessment, in which the patient describes their problem, symptoms, history and goals in their own words.
  • referralA formal request from one health professional asking another service or specialist to see and treat a patient.
  • low back painPain felt in the lower part of the back, between the bottom of the ribs and the buttocks, sometimes spreading into the leg.
  • assessmentThe process of collecting information about a patient's problem through questions, observation, measurement and tests, in order to understand it and plan treatment.

More terms: Assessment and Examination

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.