Physio for hip pain
A physio can help if hip pain has not improved after 2 weeks, keeps coming back, or is affecting your walking or your sleep. The NHS lists physiotherapy among the treatments for hip pain, for more help with exercises and stretches to ease it.
Hip pain is common, especially as you get older. Some hip pain needs 999 or NHS 111 instead, so check the warning signs on this page before anything else.
- When to get it looked at
- See a GP or a physio if it has not improved after 2 weeks, is affecting your sleep, or you are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking.
- Getting a physio
- In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can pay privately.
Does this sound familiar?
- Your hip hurts more the further you walk, and feels stiff when you get up.
- It is stiff for a while when you first wake up.
- Pain on the outside of your hip spreads down your thigh and is worse lying on that side.
- It aches after a long walk, a run or a new exercise class.
- Putting on socks or getting in and out of the car is harder than it used to be.
These are common ways people describe hip pain. They are not a diagnosis. If you recognise them, check where it hurts to see a suggested next step.
Common causes of hip pain
The NHS says hip pain might come from a sudden injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis. It links these symptoms with these causes. Do not try to diagnose yourself.
| What people notice | What the NHS lists as a possible cause |
|---|---|
| Over 45, pain that is worse when walking, and stiffness after moving | Osteoarthritis |
| Pain, swelling or bruising after intense or repetitive exercise | A sprain, strain or tendonitis |
| Pain that may spread to your thigh and feel worse when moving or lying on your side | Bursitis |
| Pain and stiffness that are worse after not moving, for example when you wake up | Rheumatoid arthritis |
When to get help first
If you have hip pain and any of these, do not wait to see a physio. This is the same list our check asks, taken from the NHS pages below. If you are not sure, call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E
If you have hip pain and:
- Sudden pain, pressure or tightness in your chest that does not go awayIncluding chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with sweating, feeling sick, light-headed or short of breath.
- Severe hip pain after a fall or injury
- You cannot walk or put weight on your leg
- Tingling or loss of feeling in your hip or leg after an injury
Get help from NHS 111, or ask for an urgent GP appointment
If you have hip pain and:
- You feel hot, cold or shivery, or generally unwell, as well as the pain
- The joint is hot and swollen, or the skin around it has changed colour
- Severe hip pain that started suddenly, without a fall or injury
See a GP
If you have hip pain and:
- You have lost weight without trying to
What you can do now
If none of the warning signs apply, the NHS suggests:
- Keep moving if you can, but try not to overdo things.
- Put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on it for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a soft sole.
- Try gentle hip stretches, and avoid low chairs.
See a GP or a physio if it has not improved after 2 weeks, is affecting your sleep, or you are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking.
What a physio usually does
Physiotherapy can help with exercises and stretches to ease hip pain.
- At a first appointment, a physio asks about your symptoms, your health and your daily life, and may check how you move, your strength and your balance.
- Treatment may include exercises to improve movement and build strength, and manual therapy, where the physio uses their hands to massage and move the area.
- You usually get advice on managing your symptoms and exercises to do at home between sessions.
In many areas of England you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy through community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, without seeing a GP first. Waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physio privately. The NHS says to check they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Questions people ask about hip pain
Can a physio help with hip pain?
Yes, depending on the cause. The NHS lists physiotherapy among the treatments for hip pain, for more help with exercises and stretches to ease the pain. A physio asks how it started, checks how your hip moves and how strong the muscles around it are, and suggests exercises and changes to try at home.
Can a physio help with hip arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the problems the NHS lists for its community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, which include physiotherapy, and so is recovery after a hip replacement. The NHS says some people with pain from a damaged hip joint may eventually need a hip replacement if other treatments do not help. A physio can help with exercises before and after.
What can I do at home for hip pain?
The NHS suggests keeping moving without overdoing it, an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, comfortable shock-absorbing shoes with a soft sole, and gentle hip stretches. It suggests not carrying anything heavy and not sitting in low chairs, which put extra pressure on your hips.
When should I see someone about hip pain?
The NHS says to see a GP if hip pain stops you doing normal activities or affects your sleep, is getting worse or keeps coming back, has not improved after 2 weeks at home, or you are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking. A physio is another option. Urgent signs are listed on this page.
Sources
- NHS: Back pain page reviewed
- NHS: Shoulder pain page reviewed
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain page reviewed
- NHS: Hip pain in adults page reviewed
- NHS: Knee pain page reviewed
- NHS: Chest pain page reviewed
- NHS: Septic arthritis page reviewed
- NHS: Unintentional weight loss page reviewed
- NHS: Physiotherapy page reviewed
- NHS: Get NHS help for back or joint problems page reviewed
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A physio or GP can assess your own situation.