Non-Surgical Hip Treatment Options

Hip replacement is not always the first or only answer.

Many patients benefit from conservative treatment, particularly during earlier stages of arthritis or where symptoms fluctuate.

Non-surgical management may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Strengthening
• Activity modification
• Weight optimisation
• Medication
• Walking aids
• Ultrasound-guided injections

Maintaining strength and movement around the hip is often extremely important. Patients who remain reasonably active and mobile before surgery frequently recover more efficiently afterwards.

Ultrasound-guided hip injections may help reduce inflammation and provide temporary symptom relief in selected patients.

Does needing a hip replacement mean I should stop exercising?

Not necessarily. Many patients remain active for years despite arthritis. Exercise is often beneficial, particularly low-impact strengthening and mobility work. Treatment decisions are usually based more on pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life than x-rays alone.