Hip Osteoarthritis: Active Management & Physiotherapy
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) can cause groin, thigh, or buttock pain and limit daily activities such as walking, stairs, or exercise. At Fit 2 Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based, active management strategies to reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain function.
This page explains what hip OA is, how it is diagnosed, and how physiotherapy can optimise your hip health.
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip OA involves degeneration of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to:
-
Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion
-
Pain during movement, particularly weight-bearing activities
-
Difficulty with stairs, walking, or prolonged sitting
Hip OA may develop gradually or follow injury, surgery, or structural hip changes.
How is hip OA diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made by:
-
Clinical assessment of pain, range of motion, and function
-
Imaging (X-ray, sometimes MRI) to confirm cartilage degeneration
Physiotherapy assessment identifies movement limitations and factors contributing to pain.
Physiotherapy management of hip OA
Modern management focuses on active, exercise-based strategies rather than rest alone. Key approaches include:
-
Strengthening exercises: hip, glute, and core muscles to support joint function
-
Mobility work: maintain and improve hip range of motion
-
Activity modification: strategies to reduce flare-ups while maintaining activity
-
Education: pain management, pacing, and load strategies
-
Functional training: walking, stairs, and balance work to improve daily function
These strategies aim to reduce pain, improve confidence, and slow disease progression.
Return to activity
Return to activity is guided by functional capacity rather than imaging alone:
-
Gradual increase in activity intensity and duration
-
Strength and endurance benchmarks for daily and recreational activities
-
Adapted loading for sport or higher-demand tasks
Even with hip OA, many patients can maintain an active lifestyle and continue to participate in preferred activities.
Book a hip assessment
If you have hip pain or have been diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, our physiotherapists can assess your hip, guide active management strategies, and develop a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Learn more about hip & groin injuries & physiotherapy
Explore our other shoulder condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity strategies:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) & Hip-Related Groin Pain | Gluteal Tendinopathy (Lateral Hip Pain) | Adductor-Related Groin Pain | Hip Osteoarthritis | Hip Labral Tears
Our physiotherapists provide individualised programs focused on restoring movement, strength, and long-term hip and groin health.
