When is exercise therapy recommended for hip osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis can make walking, standing from a chair, using stairs, or putting on shoes more difficult. A suitable programme may combine hip and leg strengthening with mobility work, balance practice, and activity advice. Stronger muscles can help share load around the joint, while repeated comfortable movement may make everyday tasks easier.

Exercise does not need to wait until symptoms are severe. A physiotherapist can adapt the position, resistance, repetitions, and pace to your starting ability, including during a flare.

Start with exercises that feel manageable and practise them consistently. Some soreness can occur when activity changes, but a strong or lingering flare means the load may need adjustment. Mix planned exercises with regular low-impact movement such as walking or water exercise if comfortable. Track which tasks are improving, rather than judging progress from one difficult day.

Arrange review if hip pain is rapidly worsening, follows a fall, prevents weight-bearing, or is accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. New numbness, marked weakness, or pain at rest that is not settling also deserves assessment. Sudden inability to move the hip is urgent.

Ask which exercises suit your joint and other health conditions, how to modify them during a flare, and what functional goals to use. You can also ask when further treatment should be considered if walking or sleep remains difficult.