Do You Need a Referral to See a Physiotherapist in Singapore
Do You Need a Referral to See a Physiotherapist in Singapore
Many people delay physiotherapy because they are unsure whether they need a doctor’s referral first.
In Singapore, the answer depends on two things:
The type of physiotherapy service you are seeking,
And whether you need a medical memo for administrative purposes such as insurance claims, workplace injury reporting, or medical leave.
This article explains when you can see a physiotherapist directly, and when you may need a referral or memo.
Can you see a physiotherapist directly in Singapore
In general, many private physiotherapy clinics in Singapore accept patients without a referral. This means you can book an assessment directly if you have pain, stiffness, reduced movement, or a sports injury that you want to address early.
That said, there are situations where a referral or memo is commonly required, not because physiotherapy cannot be started, but because documentation is needed for claims, official reporting, or safety checks.
A clear guide: which conditions commonly require a memo or referral
| Condition / Scenario | Can you start physio without referral? | Is a memo or referral commonly required? | Why it may be required | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple neck pain, posture-related discomfort | Usually yes | Usually no | Typically managed conservatively without formal documentation | Symptoms timeline, work setup, activities that trigger pain |
| Common back pain without red flags | Usually yes | Sometimes | Memo may be needed for insurance, MC requests, or workplace reporting | Any prior scans, past episodes, current activity limits |
| Sports injury (sprain or strain) without severe trauma | Usually yes | Sometimes | Referral may be required for insurance or reimbursement purposes | Injury mechanism, swelling timeline, prior injuries |
| Workplace injury (WICA or employer reporting) | Assessment possible, documentation important | Yes | Required for reporting, claims, and employer processes | Incident details, employer instructions, medical notes |
| Traffic accident injury (MVA) | Assessment possible | Yes | Insurance and legal documentation requirements | Accident report, insurer instructions, doctor memo |
| Post-surgery rehabilitation | Not recommended without instructions | Yes | Precautions and timelines must be followed | Discharge summary, surgeon notes |
| Slipped disc with neurological symptoms | Assessment possible with caution | Yes | Imaging or medical review may be required | MRI or X-ray reports if available |
| Cardiac, neurological, or complex medical conditions | Sometimes | Yes | Safety planning and medical guidance needed | Medical memos, medication list |
| History of DVT or PE, or on blood thinners | Assessment possible with care | Yes | Risk management and clearance guidance required | Specialist memo, medication details |
What a “referral” and “memo” usually mean
A referral typically means a letter from a doctor that states:
your diagnosis or suspected diagnosis
relevant medical history
whether imaging has been done
whether there are restrictions or precautions
A memo is often used more broadly to refer to written medical documentation required by:
insurance companies
employers
schools
government or corporate panels
In many cases, what people actually need is not a referral to start physiotherapy, but a memo to support a claim or formal process
When it is recommended to see a doctor first
There are situations where it is safer to consult a doctor before starting physiotherapy, especially if symptoms suggest a medical issue that requires urgent evaluation.
Examples include:
chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath
sudden weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking
unexplained swelling, redness, or significant calf pain
severe trauma such as suspected fracture or dislocation
new bladder or bowel control issues with back pain
persistent fever or unexplained weight loss with pain
Physiotherapists can also screen for red flags during an assessment. If anything concerning is found, a physiotherapist may advise medical review before continuing.
What to do if you are unsure
your condition and how it started
whether it was related to an accident, workplace injury, or surgery
whether you are planning to claim insurance
whether you have any scans or medical notes
About MoveMed Physiotherapy Singapore
At MoveMed, we support your recovery through purposeful movement.
Our professionally trained physiotherapists at Novena and Orchard provide tailored sessions in a well-equipped facility—featuring treatment beds, shockwave therapy machines and more —to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
Whether it’s pre-op rehab, pain management or post-op rehab, our team is here to guide your journey every step of the way.
📍(Orchard) Movemed Physiotherapy, 391B Orchard Road Ngee Ann City Office Tower B. #25-03 Singapore 238874
📍(Novena) MoveMed Physiotherapy, 10 Sinaran Dr, #09-04, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506
🌐 www.movemedsg.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 9627 2000
📧 Email: hello@movemedsg.com
Regain control. Move better. Live stronger.
