Do you experience stiffness or pain in your hip when walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair?
You may be experiencing hip osteoarthritis (OA) — a common condition that affects the hip joint and can make everyday movements increasingly difficult. While it’s more common as we age, the good news is that there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at what hip osteoarthritis is, what causes it, and how physiotherapy can help.
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears down over time.
As the cartilage becomes thinner, the bones in the joint no longer glide as smoothly, which can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities.
Although osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, staying active and managing symptoms early can help maintain joint function and quality of life.
What Causes Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis usually develops gradually and may be influenced by several factors, including:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Previous hip injuries
- Repetitive stress on the joint
- Being overweight
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Weakness in the muscles supporting the hip
While these factors may increase the risk, regular exercise and strengthening can help slow the progression of symptoms.
Common Symptoms
People with hip osteoarthritis may notice:
- Pain in the groin, buttock, or outer hip
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting
- Difficulty walking long distances
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Reduced hip range of motion
- Clicking or grinding sensations during movement
Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
Treatment Options
Hip osteoarthritis is commonly managed without surgery.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises
- Activity modification
- Weight management (where appropriate)
- Pain-relieving medication as advised by your GP
- Walking aids if required
- Joint replacement surgery for advanced cases that no longer respond to conservative treatment
The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you continue doing the activities you enjoy.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage hip osteoarthritis.
At Movement Science, we can help you:
- Improve hip strength and stability
- Increase flexibility and joint mobility
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve walking, balance, and everyday function
- Develop a personalised exercise program to support long-term joint health
Staying active with the right exercises is one of the best ways to manage hip osteoarthritis and maintain independence.
When Should You Seek Help?
If your hip pain is becoming more frequent, limiting your daily activities, or affecting your sleep, it’s worth having it assessed.
Early intervention can help reduce symptoms, improve function, and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
Need Help with Hip Pain?
Our experienced physiotherapists at Movement Science can assess your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you move with confidence.
(02) 8540 7319
Book online: www.movementscience.com.au