What to expect from physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis

At the first visit, your physiotherapist will ask how hip pain and stiffness affect walking, stairs, sleep, dressing and other routines. They may examine hip movement, leg strength, balance and the way you load each side. The goal is to improve the support and efficiency of movement around the joint, not to reverse joint changes. A plan may include strengthening the buttocks and thighs, gentle mobility, pacing, and advice about helpful aids or footwear.

Start with a level of exercise that feels manageable and follow the prescribed progression rather than testing the hip on a painful day. Short, regular movement breaks can be more comfortable than staying in one position for a long time. Your programme may advance from controlled home exercises to walking, cycling, step practice or other goals. Tell the therapist how you feel later that day and the next morning; this helps distinguish a useful challenge from excessive loading.

Seek prompt review after a fall if you have severe hip pain, new shortening or rotation of the leg, or cannot put weight through it. Get urgent help for fever with a hot swollen joint, sudden marked weakness, or rapidly increasing pain at rest. If pain, stiffness or walking difficulty continues to restrict life, arrange a treatment review rather than simply pushing through it.

Which exercises fit my current mobility? How should I pace walking and stairs? Would a walking aid help temporarily? What changes should lead to a review of my treatment?