Hip Arthrits & Total Hip Replacement Physiotherapy

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Hip Arthritis & Total Hip Replacement Physiotherapy

Hip pain can quietly take over your day — walking the dog, getting up from a chair, sleeping on your side, even putting socks on can become frustrating. Whether you’ve been told you have hip arthritis or you’re preparing for (or recovering from) a total hip replacement, physiotherapy can help you move better, build strength, reduce pain, and get back to the activities you value.

Do I have hip arthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis is common and happens when the joint becomes irritated and sensitive over time. Symptoms can include:

  • Pain in the groin, buttock, side of hip, or thigh

  • Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting

  • Reduced walking tolerance and limping

  • Pain when getting in/out of the car or climbing stairs

  • Difficulty with shoes and socks

  • Clicking or catching sensations (not always serious, but worth assessing)

The good news: many people manage hip arthritis really well with the right plan — and surgery isn’t always the first step.

Our physiotherapy approach for hip arthritis

We focus on improving hip confidence, mobility and strength without flaring symptoms.

1) Clear diagnosis & plan

We assess your hip, lumbar spine, gait, strength and mobility, then explain what’s driving your pain and what to do about it.

2) Pain relief & movement restoration

We use a mix of hands-on treatment and movement strategies to reduce irritability and help you move more freely, such as:

  • Joint and soft tissue techniques (where appropriate)

  • Gentle mobility and stretching drills

  • Advice on pacing, walking loads, and flare-up control

3) Strength that supports the joint

Hip arthritis often responds best when you build strength around the hip and pelvis. We commonly target:

  • Glutes (hip stability)

  • Deep hip rotators

  • Quads and hamstrings

  • Core control for walking and stairs

4) Staying active without “wearing it out”

We help you keep doing the things you enjoy with smarter loading:

  • Walking progression plans

  • Gym modifications

  • Cycling, swimming, and low-impact options

  • Return-to-sport advice where relevant

Total Hip Replacement Physiotherapy

A hip replacement is often life-changing — but your recovery depends heavily on restoring strength, walking mechanics, and confidence.

We help in three key phases:

Pre-op physiotherapy (“prehab”)

Prehab can make early recovery easier by improving strength and mobility before surgery. We help you:

  • Learn the early exercises you’ll use after surgery

  • Build glute and leg strength

  • Improve walking tolerance and confidence

  • Prepare your home and plan your first 2–6 weeks

Early post-op (weeks 1–6)

Your focus is safe movement and steady progress. We guide you with:

  • Walking and gait retraining (ditch the limp)

  • Swelling and pain management strategies

  • Safe strengthening progression

  • Getting in/out of bed, chairs, car

  • Stairs practice and daily task confidence

(We’ll also reinforce your surgeon’s specific precautions if you’ve been given them.)

Later rehab (weeks 6–16+)

This is where you rebuild strength and return to normal life. We progress:

  • Glute and hip strength (often the missing piece)

  • Balance and single-leg control

  • Endurance for longer walks and standing

  • Return to gardening, hiking, golf, gym, or work demands

Who we help

We commonly treat:

  • Mild to severe hip osteoarthritis

  • Hip stiffness and loss of mobility

  • Hip pain with walking, stairs, and standing

  • Pre-op and post-op total hip replacements

  • Ongoing weakness or “limp” months after surgery

  • Return to gym and sport after hip replacement (when appropriate)

Why choose Bacchus Marsh Physiotherapy?

  • Hands-on, practical treatment where it helps

  • Clear exercise progressions (not generic handouts)

  • Strength-based rehab focused on real-life function

  • Progress tracking so you can see improvement over time

Book an appointment

If hip pain is slowing you down — or you want to feel confident before or after a hip replacement — we’ll build a step-by-step plan to get you moving comfortably again.

Book online or call Bacchus Marsh Physiotherapy today and let’s get your hip stronger, looser, and more reliable.

 


Martin Spitzeck
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Hip Dysplasia