Hip pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even putting on your shoes feel challenging. One of the most common causes of ongoing hip pain is hip osteoarthritis. While there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, the good news is that many people can successfully manage their symptoms and remain active with the right advice and rehabilitation.

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we work with people throughout Canberra who are living with hip osteoarthritis. Our focus is on helping you improve movement, reduce pain and continue doing the activities that matter most to you.

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually changes over time. These changes can affect how the joint moves and may contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced function.

Although hip osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, it can also develop following previous hip injuries, certain structural differences, or as part of the natural ageing process.

Many people assume that hip pain automatically means they need surgery, but this is not always the case. Conservative management, including physiotherapy, is recommended for many people before considering surgical options.

Common Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis

Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:

• Pain in the groin, front of the hip or buttock

• Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes

• Pain after prolonged walking or standing

• Difficulty getting in and out of the car

• Reduced hip flexibility

• Difficulty putting on socks or shoes

• Clicking or grinding sensations during movement

• Reduced walking distance

Symptoms often develop gradually and may fluctuate, with some days feeling better than others.

What Causes Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis usually develops due to a combination of factors rather than one single cause.

These may include:

• Increasing age

• Previous hip injuries

• Family history

• Reduced muscle strength

• Repetitive joint loading over many years

• Higher body weight, which may increase stress on the joint

Having one or more of these factors does not necessarily mean you will develop hip osteoarthritis.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people manage hip osteoarthritis. Current research consistently recommends exercise and education as first-line management.

Your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment before developing an individualised management plan.

Treatment may include:

Education

Understanding your condition can help reduce uncertainty and improve confidence in managing symptoms. Your physiotherapist can explain why pain occurs and discuss practical strategies for daily activities.

Individualised Exercise Program

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for hip osteoarthritis.

Your program may include:

• Hip strengthening exercises

• Balance training

• Mobility exercises

• Walking programs

• Functional strengthening

• Progressive resistance exercises

The exercises will be tailored to your current ability and goals.

Hands-On Treatment

Where appropriate, manual therapy techniques may be used alongside exercise to help improve comfort and movement. These techniques are typically combined with an active rehabilitation program.

Activity Modification

Rather than stopping activities altogether, your physiotherapist can help you adjust how you perform them to better manage symptoms while maintaining an active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Osteoarthritis

Can exercise make hip osteoarthritis worse?

For most people, appropriately prescribed exercise is considered safe and beneficial. Some temporary discomfort can occur when starting a new program, but this does not necessarily mean further joint damage is occurring.

Will I eventually need a hip replacement?

Not everyone with hip osteoarthritis requires surgery. Many people successfully manage their symptoms for years through education, exercise, weight management where appropriate and lifestyle modifications. If conservative management is no longer effective, your GP or orthopaedic surgeon may discuss surgical options.

Should I stop walking if my hip hurts?

Walking remains an excellent form of exercise for many people with hip osteoarthritis. The key is finding an amount that your symptoms tolerate and gradually increasing activity over time.

Can physiotherapy help even if I've had symptoms for years?

Many people seek physiotherapy after living with symptoms for months or years. An assessment can identify factors contributing to your pain and guide an appropriate management plan based on your current presentation.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider booking an assessment if you are experiencing:

• Persistent hip pain

• Increasing stiffness

• Difficulty walking

• Pain affecting sleep

• Reduced ability to exercise

• Difficulty with everyday activities

• Hip pain that is limiting work or recreation

Early assessment may help you better understand your condition and develop strategies to maintain your mobility.

Physiotherapy for Hip Osteoarthritis in Canberra

If you're looking for physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis in Canberra, Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic provides personalised assessment and evidence-based management for people of all activity levels.

Whether your goal is walking comfortably, returning to recreational activities or simply moving with greater confidence, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.

Book an Appointment at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic

Hip pain doesn't have to stop you enjoying your daily activities. If you're experiencing ongoing hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility, contact Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic to arrange a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment.

Call (02) 6251 3487 to book an appointment or contact our friendly team to learn how physiotherapy may assist with managing hip osteoarthritis.

Book Online HERE!