Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis and hip replacement

Do you have pain in your groin, buttock or thigh and a stiff hip due to osteoarthritis, or are you getting a new hip soon? With hip osteoarthritis, targeted exercise therapy helps reduce pain and move more freely again, and after a total hip replacement we guide you towards a smooth and safe recovery.

What is hip osteoarthritis?

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the hip joint changes. This can make the hip painful and stiff. The pain is often felt in the groin, but can also radiate to the buttock, thigh or knee. Osteoarthritis does not mean you have to sit still. On the contrary, targeted exercise helps reduce complaints and keep your hip functioning as well as possible.

What does exercise therapy achieve?

  • Less pain and stiffness
  • More mobility in the hip
  • Stronger buttock and leg muscles
  • Easier walking, cycling and climbing stairs
  • Staying active and independent for longer

Who is physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis for?

Physiotherapy can help if you:

  • You have pain when walking, getting up or lying on your side
  • You have difficulty putting on socks and shoes or getting in and out of a car
  • You have a stiff hip, especially in the morning
  • You want to improve your fitness and strength

After an intake and physical examination we set goals together. Treatment mainly consists of exercise therapy: mobility, strength and fitness training, supplemented with advice on load and movement in daily life.


Total hip replacement: rehabilitation before and after surgery

If complaints remain too severe despite treatment, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend a total hip replacement (THR). Physiotherapy then plays an important role.

Before surgery
Good fitness and strong buttock and leg muscles help you recover smoothly. We work on strength and fitness and practise with crutches in advance.

After surgery
After you are discharged from hospital, you continue your rehabilitation with us. We work step by step on:

  • Walking with and then without crutches
  • Strength in the buttock and leg muscles
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • Climbing stairs, cycling and everyday activities such as getting in and out of a car
  • Returning to work, walking or sport

We take into account your orthopaedic surgeon's precautions and protocol, as these differ per surgical technique. At our Bentinckplein location you can train in our training room, and after treatment continue independently with medical fitness.

Frequently asked questions

Can I exercise with hip osteoarthritis?
Yes, and it's actually important. Walking, cycling and swimming are often good ways to keep moving. We help you find the right type and amount.

Is some pain during exercise a problem?
With osteoarthritis, mild pain during or after exercise is often not a problem, as long as it settles within a day. We teach you how to judge this yourself.

How soon do I start physiotherapy after a hip replacement?
Usually straight after you are discharged from hospital. Feel free to contact us before your operation, so we can schedule your first appointments in advance.

Which movements should I avoid after surgery?
This depends on the surgical technique. Your orthopaedic surgeon will give you precautions; we help you apply them well in daily life.

How long does rehabilitation after a hip replacement take?
This varies per person. It often takes a few months before you can fully use your knee again. We'll discuss together what you can expect.

Reimbursement

For hip osteoarthritis
For osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, the Dutch basic health insurance covers up to 12 exercise therapy treatments per 12 months. This cover counts towards your deductible (eigen risico). A referral is usually not needed, unless your insurer asks for one. Additional treatments may be covered by your supplementary insurance.

After a hip replacement
Physiotherapy after a hip replacement is usually covered by your supplementary health insurance. How many treatments are covered depends on your policy.

The exact conditions differ per health insurer. Not sure? Feel free to contact us and we'll work it out together. Also read more about insurance cover.

Hip trouble, or getting a new hip? We're here to help.

Resultaat van het cliëntervaringsonderzoek, uitgevoerd door Mediquest Rated by our clientsIndependent survey by Mediquest over the past 12 months

Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis and after hip replacement in Rotterdam

Fysico Rotterdam supports people with hip osteoarthritis and people rehabilitating after a total hip replacement. You can visit us at our locations on Bentinckplein in Blijdorp and on Nieuwe Binnenweg in Delfshaven.