When Should I See a Physio for Hip or Knee Pain?

When Should I See a Physio for Hip or Knee Pain?

Hip and knee pain are incredibly common, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it starts gradually or appears suddenly, this type of pain can make daily tasks—like walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping—feel unnecessarily difficult. One of the most frequent questions physiotherapists hear is, “How do I know when it’s time to get this checked?”

While some aches resolve on their own, many forms of hip or knee pain benefit from early assessment. Knowing when to see a physiotherapist can help you recover faster, prevent your symptoms from worsening, and protect your long-term mobility.

Below are the key signs that it’s time to book an appointment.

1. Your Pain Has Lasted More Than a Few Days

Mild stiffness or soreness after a new workout or long day on your feet is normal. However, if your pain lingers beyond three to five days without improvement, it’s worth seeking professional advice.

Persistent pain (pain which is present for 3 months or more)—especially when it affects your walking, sleep, or daily activities—often indicates an underlying issue such as muscle imbalance, joint irritation, tendon overload, or early arthritis. A physiotherapist can help identify the cause and guide you toward appropriate management before it becomes a long-term problem.

2. The Pain Keeps Returning

Recurring hip or knee pain is a sign that something isn’t moving or functioning as it should. Even if the pain disappears for weeks at a time, repetition often suggests a mechanical issue—tight or weak muscles, poor movement patterns, or joint stiffness.

Physiotherapy can break this cycle by addressing the root cause rather than simply treating flare-ups as they appear.

3. You’re Noticing Changes in Your Movement or Strength

If you’ve started avoiding certain movements, limping, favouring one side, or experiencing difficulty with activities like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or squatting, it’s time to get an assessment.

These compensations may feel subtle at first, but over time they create extra stress on other muscles and joints. A physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and guide you through targeted exercises to restore proper function.

4. The Pain Began After a Fall, Twist, or Sudden Injury

Acute injuries—such as twisting your knee, landing awkwardly, or feeling a sharp “pull” or “pop”—should always be assessed, even if the pain seems mild. Early physio input helps determine whether you’ve strained a muscle, irritated a tendon, or possibly injured a ligament or cartilage.

Seeking help early can reduce swelling, improve healing, and prevent further damage.

5. You Experience Clicking, Locking, or Giving Way

Mechanical symptoms like clicking that is painful, locking of the knee or hip, or a feeling of the joint giving way can indicate issues such as ligament injury, cartilage damage, or joint instability.

These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. A physiotherapist can determine whether the problem is muscular or joint-related and advise whether further imaging or medical referral is needed.

6. Your Pain Interferes With Daily Life or Sleep

When hip or knee pain starts affecting your mood, productivity, comfort, or sleep quality, it’s no longer just an inconvenience. Physiotherapy can help reduce discomfort and give you practical strategies for managing symptoms while you continue your normal routines.

7. You Want to Stay Active Without Causing Harm

Many people are unsure how to exercise safely when dealing with hip or knee pain. Physios regularly help patients modify their training, choose more joint-friendly exercises, and build strength in a safe and progressive way.

If you’re avoiding activity out of fear of making things worse, a physiotherapist can give you clarity and confidence.

What to Expect When You See a Physio

A thorough physiotherapy assessment will typically include:

• A detailed discussion of your symptoms

• Examination of movement, strength, posture, and joint mobility

• Identification of contributing factors

• Hands-on treatment where appropriate

• A personalised exercise program

• Clear guidance on what to do—and what to avoid

The goal is not only to reduce your pain but also to help you understand your condition and prevent future flare-ups.

Final Thoughts

Hip or knee pain is common, but it should never be dismissed as “just part of getting older” or something you have to live with. Early physiotherapy intervention can make a significant difference to your comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health.

If your pain is persistent, recurring, affecting your daily life, or simply worrying you, booking an assessment with a physiotherapist is a proactive and effective step toward feeling better and moving with confidence.