Can physiotherapy help a painful hip?

How a worn hip affects daily life

Hip osteoarthritis often shows up as pain in the groin, the side of the hip, or down the thigh. It can be stiff first thing in the morning and sore after walking or sitting for a while.

Many people find it hard to put on socks, get out of a car, or turn in bed. The hip can also make one leg feel shorter or the walk feel uneven.

A worn hip changes how you move, but the muscles around it can still be trained to share the load.

What a physiotherapist works on

Our physiotherapist checks how the hip moves and how you walk, then builds strength in the buttock and thigh muscles that support it. Stronger muscles mean the joint is better protected.

We work on gentle range of movement so the hip does not tighten, and on balance so you feel steady on your feet.

We also look at the small daily habits, like how you rise from a chair or step into the shower, and make them easier on the hip.

Small changes that ease the hip

A higher seat is kinder to a worn hip than a low, soft one. A long-handled aid can make putting on socks or shoes less of a strain.

Keeping gently active is better than long rest, which tends to stiffen the joint. Regular short walks, at a comfortable pace, keep the hip moving.

A walking stick used on the opposite side can take real load off a sore hip. We show the family how to fit and use one safely.

When to see a doctor first

Physiotherapy helps most worn hips, but some signs need a doctor first. Get urgent help if you cannot bear weight after a fall, as this can mean a fracture, which is more common in older bones.

See a doctor if the hip is hot and swollen, or if you feel feverish and unwell with it.

For severe joint damage, an orthopaedic doctor may discuss further options. We are happy to help you weigh the right next step.