Does physiotherapy treat avascular necrosis of the hip?

Avascular necrosis occurs when reduced blood supply damages bone, commonly at the head of the thigh bone inside the hip. A physiotherapist can assess pain, hip movement, walking pattern and muscle conditioning. Treatment may use carefully selected strengthening, mobility and low-impact exercises, with advice on reducing loads that aggravate the hip. The appropriate plan depends on the stage of bone damage and whether the hip surface has changed, so orthopaedic assessment is central.

Arrange review with an orthopaedic clinician and ask whether you should limit impact or use a walking aid. Follow a prescribed exercise plan without forcing painful hip loading. Choose comfortable, lower-impact movement and track changes in walking tolerance, pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy can help maintain strength while the medical team decides whether observation, a procedure or surgery is needed.

Seek prompt medical review if hip pain is rapidly worsening, walking becomes substantially harder, the leg cannot bear weight, or a fall causes new pain. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain after trauma, fever with a hot swollen joint, or sudden inability to move the hip.

Ask what stage the condition has reached, how much weight-bearing is suitable, and whether imaging shows collapse or joint-surface damage. Ask which exercises are safe, how to use a cane if advised, and how physiotherapy fits with the orthopaedic treatment plan.