When is physiotherapy recommended for avascular necrosis of the hip?

Avascular necrosis of the hip, also called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, affects the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint. The plan depends on the stage of bone change, pain, range of motion and whether the joint surface is still stable. A physiotherapist may teach low-impact movement, gentle range-of-motion work, and strengthening for the hip and surrounding muscles. The aim is to reduce avoidable loading and preserve useful movement; exercises do not restore damaged bone.

Your clinician may coordinate physiotherapy with imaging, activity modification, medication or surgery discussions. Treatment can include walking advice, use of a cane when appropriate, exercises performed within a comfortable range, and strategies for stairs, sitting and getting dressed. Avoid forcing painful hip positions or adding impact-based exercise without guidance. Tell the therapist about night pain, changes in walking, recent injury, steroid use or other medical conditions so the programme matches your risks and goals.

Arrange prompt assessment for new or worsening groin or hip pain, a growing limp, reduced ability to bear weight, or a sudden drop in movement. Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot stand or walk, or if the leg looks shortened or unusually rotated. A physiotherapy plan should be reviewed when symptoms change rather than continued unchanged.

Ask which activities are safe for the current stage, whether weight-bearing should be limited, which symptoms should stop an exercise, and how physiotherapy will coordinate with orthopaedic treatment.