Hip arthritis physiotherapy may help reduce pain, improve walking, and build hip strength so daily tasks feel easier.

Hip arthritis, also called hip osteoarthritis, happens when the hip joint changes over time. The joint may feel stiff, sore, or “grindy”, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting.

Many people notice pain in the groin, buttock, or outer hip. Pain may also spread into the thigh or knee. For a broader body-region guide, visit our hip pain page. If your pain sits more on the outside of the hip, compare your symptoms with trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy.

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) describes gradual change within the hip joint. Cartilage can become thinner, and the joint may lose some of its smooth glide.

As a result, movement can feel stiff and sore. Some people also lose hip range over time. For a broader overview, see our guide to osteoarthritis.

Common Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Hip arthritis symptoms vary from person to person. They also change with activity, rest, sleep, and general health.

• Deep groin or front-of-hip pain, often worse with walking or stairs.
• Morning stiffness, or stiffness after sitting.
• Reduced hip range of motion.
• Trouble putting on socks, shoes, or getting in and out of a car.
• Achy pain after longer walks or busy days.
• Grinding, clicking, or catching in some cases.

Is Groin Pain Always Hip Arthritis?

No. Groin pain can come from hip arthritis, but other hip and groin problems can feel similar.

Active people may develop FAIS, also called hip impingement, or a hip labral tear. Others may have a groin muscle injury such as a groin strain. A targeted assessment helps narrow the likely source.

What Causes Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis usually develops from a mix of factors. It rarely comes from one single cause.

• Age-related joint changes.
• Previous hip injury, surgery, or long-term overload.
• Reduced hip and glute strength.
• Long periods of low activity.
• Higher body weight, which may increase joint load.
• Hip shape variation or childhood hip conditions in some people.

How Is Hip Arthritis Diagnosed?

A clinician usually combines your story, movement tests, and strength checks. They may also look at your walking, hip range, pain pattern, and daily activity limits.

Imaging may help when symptoms persist, change quickly, or do not match the clinical picture. X-rays can show joint space change. MRI may help in more complex cases.

How Physiotherapy May Help Hip Arthritis

A physiotherapist usually focuses on pain control, strength, joint mobility, and confidence with daily movement. Exercise therapy may improve pain and function in hip OA, although results vary between people.

Common treatment plan components include:

• Education and pacing: adjust walking, stairs, and gym load so the hip settles rather than flares.
• Progressive strengthening: build glute and hip strength for walking, stairs, and sit-to-stand.
• Mobility work: use targeted hip range drills when stiffness limits function.
• Functional training: practise step control, sit-to-stand, balance, and walking tasks.
• Manual therapy: may help short-term comfort so exercise feels easier.

If your plan includes weight-bearing strength work, closed kinetic chain exercises often suit hip arthritis because they build control in real-life positions.

Exercise Choices That Often Suit Hip Arthritis

Many people do well with low-impact aerobic work plus progressive strength training.

• Short, regular walks in manageable doses.
• Cycling or stationary bike.
• Swimming or water walking.
• Glute, thigh, calf, and balance exercises.
• Sit-to-stand and step exercises matched to your current level.

If you want a structured osteoarthritis plan, the GLA:D® Australia program combines education and guided exercise for hip and knee OA.

Hip Arthritis Exercise Progression

A good program should match your symptoms, strength, and goals. It should also progress slowly enough to avoid repeated flare-ups.

Stage	Main Goal	Example Focus
Settle	Reduce flare-ups	Short walks, gentle range, easy strength
Build	Improve strength	Sit-to-stand, step-ups, glute work
Progress	Return to daily goals	Longer walks, stairs, hills, gym progressions

Other Management Options to Discuss With Your GP

Physiotherapy often works best alongside sensible medical support. Options to discuss with your doctor may include pain relief strategies and, in selected cases, injections.

For a plain-language overview of osteoarthritis management, see Healthdirect’s osteoarthritis guide.

When Hip Replacement Becomes Relevant

Some people manage well without surgery. Others find pain and stiffness limit walking, sleep, or daily tasks despite a consistent plan.

In that situation, your GP may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss options. If surgery is chosen, physiotherapy can help before and after a hip replacement.

What to Do Next

Start with the basics. Keep moving most days, build hip and glute strength, and avoid sudden load spikes.

Book an assessment if pain persists, you limp, you lose range quickly, or you feel unsure about the cause. A clear plan may reduce flare-ups and improve confidence with walking, stairs, and daily tasks.

Hip Arthritis FAQs

What are the first signs of hip arthritis?

Common early signs include groin or front-of-hip pain, morning stiffness, reduced hip range, and pain that builds during walking or stairs. Some people also notice trouble putting on socks, getting in and out of the car, or walking longer distances.

How do I know if my groin pain is hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis often causes deep groin pain with stiffness and reduced hip movement. However, groin pain can also come from hip impingement, labral issues, or groin muscle injuries. An assessment helps match your pain pattern to the likely source.

Does walking help hip arthritis or make it worse?

Walking often helps when you build it gradually and keep flare-ups under control. Pain may increase when distance, hills, speed, or daily load rise too quickly. Shorter walks, pacing, and strength work usually suit many people better than long stop-start activity.

What exercises are useful for hip osteoarthritis?

Most programs combine hip and glute strengthening with low-impact cardio. Cycling, swimming, water walking, sit-to-stand, step work, and manageable walking doses may suit many people. The right exercise mix depends on your pain, strength, range, and goals.

Can physiotherapy delay hip replacement?

Physiotherapy may help some people manage symptoms and stay active for longer. It cannot reverse joint changes, but it can improve strength, movement confidence, and load tolerance. If pain still limits daily life, your GP may discuss an orthopaedic review.

When should I consider hip replacement for arthritis?

People usually consider surgery when pain and stiffness limit walking, sleep, work, or daily tasks despite a consistent exercise plan and appropriate medical support. A GP can refer you for an orthopaedic opinion when symptoms no longer respond well to conservative care.

References

1. Teirlinck CH, Verhagen AP, Reijneveld EAE, Runhaar J, van Middelkoop M, van Ravesteyn LM. Effect of exercise therapy in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage Open. 2023;5(1):100005. doi:10.1016/j.ocarto.2023.100005
2. Monfort J, et al. Effect of exercise and/or educational interventions on physical activity and pain in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis: systematic review with meta-analysis. 2022.
3. Bieler T, et al. Exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a randomised trial comparing progressive resistance training, Nordic walking and home exercise. Physiother Theory Pract. 2022.