
06/05/2025
Did you know... โ
As per the BEST Evidence Based Practice guidelines, the first line of defence and recommendation for ALL people with hip osteoarthritis (OA) is Education, Exercise and Weight Control. Unfortunately, only 3% of individuals with hip OA seek or are recommended this guidance.
In 2013 a longitudinal study was conducted to look at whether exercise may postpone total hip replacement surgery in patients with hip OA. Within the study, the participants were ALL on surgical waiting lists for a total hip replacement. The study found that those participating in the exercise program for greater than 3 months, reduced the risk of requiring a replacement by 44% at 5 years. It also found on average that those apart of the exercise group who still went on to have a hip replacement extended the time for surgery to 5.4 years compared to the control group who extended the time to 3.5 years.
This data is astonishing and shows that exercise along with patient education can REDUCE the need for a total hip replacement by 44% in those with hip OA.
What to do if you suspect you have hip osteoarthritis?
1. Book in with your trusted Physiotherapist. They will be able to assess your hip to determine the likelihood of OA.
2. Create alongside your Physiotherapist an exercise program targeting strength, range of movement, function and control.
Svege, I., Nordsletten, L., Fernandes, L., & Risberg, M. A. (2015). Exercise therapy may postpone total hip replacement surgery in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a long-term follow-up of a randomised trial. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 74(1), 164โ169. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203628