Do you feel a deep ache in your groin or stiffness in your hip when walking or getting out of a chair? You may be one of millions dealing with hip osteoarthritis (OA)—a condition where the cartilage in your hip joint wears down over time.
But here’s the good news: surgery is not your only option. Research shows that physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain, improve your mobility, and help you stay independent.
What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip OA is a wear-and-tear condition that causes the protective cartilage in the hip joint to break down. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Bone may rub against bone, causing swelling and difficulty with daily tasks.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, or knee
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Trouble putting on socks or getting out of a low chair
- Limping or difficulty walking
What Causes It?
- Age: More common in people over 50
- Injury or overuse: Past injuries or repetitive strain
- Genetics: Some are more prone due to family history
- Poor hip alignment: Like hip dysplasia
- Obesity: Adds extra stress to the joint
What Can You Do About It?
You don’t have to wait until the pain gets unbearable. Physiotherapy has been shown in randomized controlled trials to help reduce symptoms, delay the need for surgery, and improve quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Helps
A physiotherapist can:
- Stretch tight muscles that pull on your hip joint
- Strengthen the glutes, core, and legs to support better movement
- Teach you safer ways to move and walk
- Recommend aids like walking poles, orthotics, or braces
- Help you stay active without overloading the joint
Evidence That It Works
- Fernandes et al. (2010) found that patients with hip OA had significantly less pain and better function after a physiotherapist-led exercise and education program compared to education alone.
- Bennell et al. (2014) showed that even home-based physio led to better pain relief and life quality for those with hip OA.
When to Get Help
- If your hip pain is stopping you from enjoying life, walking, or sleeping well, it’s time to get help. The earlier you start, the better your results.
- A licensed pelvic and orthopedic physiotherapist can help you move more easily, reduce pain, and stay in control of your health.
References:
Bennell, K. L., Egerton, T., Pua, Y. H., Abbott, J. H., Sims, K., Metcalf, B., … & Hinman, R. S. (2014). Efficacy of a physiotherapist-delivered physical activity intervention for people with hip osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 22(6), 930–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2014.03.009
Fernandes, L., Storheim, K., Nordsletten, L., & Risberg, M. A. (2010). Efficacy of patient education and supervised exercise vs. patient education alone in patients with hip osteoarthritis: A single blind randomized clinical trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 18(10), 1237–1243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2010.07.004
