Help for Knee Pain in the UK

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In short: The NHS says knee pain can often be treated at home and you should start to feel better in a few days, but to see a GP if it does not improve within a few weeks, and to contact NHS 111 if the pain is very bad. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without a GP, or see a private physiotherapist. Search Therapist Circle, a free UK directory. This page is general information, not personal medical advice.

Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

When to Get Urgent Help

Get advice from NHS 111 now if your knee is very painful, you cannot move it or put any weight on it, it is badly swollen or has changed shape, it locks, gives way or painfully clicks (painless clicking is normal), or you have a very high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery with redness or heat around the knee, which can be a sign of infection. You can also go to an urgent treatment centre. Source: NHS: knee pain. Therapist Circle is not an emergency service.

What You Can Try at First

The NHS suggests putting as little weight as possible on the knee, for example avoiding standing for a long time, using an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, and painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets. Do not self-diagnose: the NHS lists many possible causes, from sprains and tendonitis to osteoarthritis and bursitis, and says to see a GP if you are worried.

NHS and Private Physiotherapy

The NHS says a doctor may prescribe medicine or physiotherapy, or refer you to hospital for a scan or specialist treatment. In many areas you can get help such as physiotherapy from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without a GP referral: see get NHS help for back or joint problems.

You can also see a private physiotherapist. Physiotherapist is a protected title, so check the HCPC register. If your knee pain is linked to arthritis, see our guide to arthritis and joint pain.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask a private allied health professional and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.

Common Questions

How long does knee pain take to get better?

The NHS says knee pain can often be treated at home and you should start to feel better in a few days. See a GP if it does not improve within a few weeks.

When is knee pain urgent?

The NHS says to get advice from 111 if your knee is very painful, you cannot move it or put weight on it, it is badly swollen or has changed shape, it locks or gives way, or you have a high temperature with redness or heat around it.

Can I see a physio for knee pain without a GP?

In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, which include physiotherapy. You can also book a private physiotherapist directly.

Does Therapist Circle recommend physiotherapists?

No. Therapist Circle is a free directory, not a provider. We check each practitioner's registration when they join, and we do not recommend or guarantee anyone.

Last updated 10 November 2026. Facts are drawn from the official websites linked on this page, read on 10 November 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

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