Knee, hip and shoulder pain often improves with rest, ice or heat, painkillers and gentle movement, and the NHS advises seeing a GP if it is not getting better after a few weeks (2 weeks for hip and shoulder pain). In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can see a private physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath. Some symptoms need urgent help, especially after a fall or injury, so check the list below first.
Get urgent help if...
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have severe hip pain after a fall or injury
- you are unable to walk or put weight on your leg
- you have any tingling or loss of feeling in your hip or leg after an injury
Get help from NHS 111 now if:
- your knee is very painful
- you cannot move your knee or put any weight on it
- your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape
- your knee locks, gives way or painfully clicks (painless clicking is normal)
- you have a very high temperature (or feel hot, cold or shivery) and have redness or heat around your knee
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have severe hip pain that started suddenly but you have not had a fall or injured your hip
- your hip is swollen and feels hot, or the skin around it has changed colour
- you have hip pain, feel generally unwell and have a high temperature (or feel hot, cold or shivery)
- you have sudden or very bad shoulder pain, or you cannot move your arm
- your arm or shoulder has changed shape or is badly swollen
- you have pins and needles that do not go away, or there is no feeling in your arm or shoulder
- your arm or shoulder is hot or cold to touch
- the shoulder pain started after an injury or accident, like a fall
- you develop severe pain in both shoulders, or you feel feverish or unwell
Knee pain
The NHS self-care advice for knee pain is to:
- put as little weight as possible on your knee, for example by avoiding standing for long periods
- use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- use painkillers such as paracetamol, or ibuprofen gel or tablets
See a GP if knee pain does not improve within a few weeks.
Hip pain
The NHS suggests keeping moving without overdoing it, using ice packs for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, and using painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets. Wearing comfortable shoes that absorb shock, losing weight if you are overweight and gentle hip exercises can also help. Avoid carrying heavy things and sitting in low chairs.
See a GP if hip pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep, if it is getting worse or has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment, or if your hip is stiff for more than 30 minutes after you wake up.
Shoulder pain
The NHS advises keeping your shoulder moving gently, doing shoulder exercises, sitting with your back supported and using painkillers, heat or cold packs. Avoid stopping using your shoulder completely, and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy gym work while it is painful. Shoulder pain can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months or more to get better.
See a GP if shoulder pain is getting worse or does not improve after 2 weeks, or if it is very difficult to move your arm or shoulder.
NHS or private treatment
Depending on the cause, a GP may prescribe medicine, suggest physiotherapy, or refer you to hospital for a scan or specialist treatment. For hip pain, the NHS also lists steroid injections, occupational therapy and, in severe cases, hip replacement.
NHS physiotherapy: in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, such as physiotherapy, without a GP referral. Some GP surgeries also have first contact physiotherapists who can assess you directly.
Private treatment: you can also book a private physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath without a referral. The NHS says chiropractic and osteopathy may not be safe if you take blood thinning medicines or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke, have very weak or seriously damaged bones or joints, or have a condition that affects your nerves. Tell any practitioner about your health conditions and medicines.
What happens at a physiotherapy appointment
The NHS says a physiotherapist will usually ask about your symptoms and medical history, check things such as your movement, strength and balance, and talk you through treatment options. Treatment often includes exercises to improve how your joints move and to strengthen your muscles, manual therapy, and advice on exercises to do at home.
How to check a practitioner is registered
- Physiotherapists: anyone using the title physiotherapist must be on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register
- Chiropractors: must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Search the GCC register
- Osteopaths: must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Search the GOsC register
Find a practitioner
Our physiotherapy and musculoskeletal guide lists physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths by city.
Sources: NHS: Knee pain | NHS: Hip pain in adults | NHS: Shoulder pain | NHS: Physiotherapy | NHS: Herbal medicines and complementary therapies | HCPC: Check the register | General Chiropractic Council: Patients | GOsC: Protecting the title osteopath.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.