Hip Osteoarthritis — Exercises Studied in Research
Research has examined 31 approaches for this condition. This page shows what the studies found and where clinical guidelines landed — with a source behind every claim.
Clinical guidelines support 8 of the 31 approaches studied for this condition.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Partner of the Chamber of Physiotherapists of Montenegro
What studies found
Each approach below was tested in clinical research. Sorted by where clinical guidelines stand.
Aerobic Exercise (Walking Program)
Evidence supports itNW was superior to the other training modalities for improving functional performance, even at the 12-month follow-up
Source: PubMed 33956561
Hip Strengthening (Abductors / Gluteals)
Evidence supports itExercise recommended as first-line treatment in clinical guidelines; PRT considered safe, feasible, and may be of clinical relevance in patients with hip OA
Source: PubMed 34686555
Patient Education
Evidence supports itthe results support implementation of education and exercise in a real-life clinical setting to improve the symptoms of patients with knee and hip OA worldwide
Source: PubMed 28173795
See all 9 exercises with full details
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for this condition. Listed so you know before spending money — not as advice about any individual case.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)Not supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- GlucosamineNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- OpioidsNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- TENS / ElectrotherapyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- AcupunctureNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- Laser Therapy / LLLTNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)
- Massage TherapyNot supported by research
OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Not supported by research
OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)
- Dry NeedlingNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Hip ArthroscopyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Interferential CurrentNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Shortwave DiathermyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for this condition, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand. Not by popularity or marketing — by published research.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Therapy (Combined Programs)done with a specialistStudies: 26 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | 26 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Patient Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 7 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | 7 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Self-Management Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | 6 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Weight Managementyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | 5 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Hip Strengthening (Abductors / Gluteals)you can do this at homeStudies: 13 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | 13 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Tai Chiyou can do this at homeStudies: 9 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | 9 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| NSAIDs (General)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011), OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | 1 | Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011)OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | Evidence supports it |
| Aerobic Exercise (Walking Program)you can do this at homeStudies: 5 · EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | 5 | EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | Evidence supports it |
| Yoga / Chair Yogayou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) +1 | May help |
| Balance Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 7 · ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski), EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | 7 | ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski)EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | May help |
| Heat Therapy / Thermotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | May help |
Show all 31 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balneotherapy + Home Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Manual Therapy / Hip Mobilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 4 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Aquatic Exercise / Hydrotherapyyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | 6 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)EULAR 2023 (Moseng) | Not enough research yet |
| Balneotherapy / Spa Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Electroacupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Exercise Therapy + Manual Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | Science does not support it |
| Glucosaminedone with a specialistStudies: 5 trials (placebo-controlled); 6 total sharing data · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | 5 trials (placebo-controlled); 6 total sharing data | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Opioidsdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Science does not support it |
| TENS / Electrotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Laser Therapy / LLLTdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | Science does not support it |
| Massage Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2019 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Dry Needlingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Hip Arthroscopydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Interferential Currentdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Shortwave Diathermydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
Prevention
Factors that published studies link to higher or lower risk for this condition.
Fall Prevention in Elderly with Hip OA
Risk factor in studiesThis review describes Type 1 structured land-based exercise programmes, spanning strengthening, cardiovascular, and balance/neuromuscular training.
Source: PubMed 31278997
Footwear Modification (Supportive Shoes)
Risk factor in studiesThe guideline describes benefit from stable, supportive shoes rather than flat, flexible ones, worn for a minimum of 6 hours daily.
Source: PubMed 38212040
Hip Abductor / Gluteal Strengthening (Primary Prevention)
Risk factor in studiesThis review describes Type 1 structured land-based exercise programmes, spanning strengthening, cardiovascular, and balance/neuromuscular training.
Source: PubMed 31278997
Show all 8 prevention factors ↓
Injury & Hip Fracture Prevention
Risk factor in studiesThis review describes Type 1 structured land-based exercise programmes, spanning strengthening, cardiovascular, and balance/neuromuscular training.
Source: PubMed 31278997
Joint Protection Strategies
Risk factor in studiesThe guideline suggests options such as mobility aids, proper footwear, and assistive equipment.
Source: PubMed 38212040
Occupational Risk Reduction (Heavy Lifting, Prolonged Standing)
Risk factor in studiesEvidence associates long-term occupational heavy lifting (and prolonged standing at work) with a graded increased risk of hip OA.
Source: PubMed 22348095
Physical Activity Guidelines (Moderate-Intensity)
Risk factor in studiesPer the guideline, exercise programming may span strength, aerobic, flexibility, or neuromotor domains.
Source: PubMed 38212040
Weight Reduction (BMI < 25)
Risk factor in studiesThis guideline advises that people with hip or knee OA be offered education on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, and that those who are overweight or obese be offered support to achieve and maintain weight loss.
Source: PubMed 38212040
Frequently asked
What works for Hip Osteoarthritis according to research?
Research supports: Exercise Therapy (Combined Programs), Patient Education, Self-Management Program, Weight Management, Hip Strengthening (Abductors / Gluteals), Tai Chi. Based on NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s; Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011); OARSI 2019 (Bannuru).
What does not work for Hip Osteoarthritis according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation), Glucosamine, Opioids, TENS / Electrotherapy, Acupuncture, Laser Therapy / LLLT. Based on NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s; Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011); OARSI 2019 (Bannuru).
How much research is this based on?
For Hip Osteoarthritis, 31 approaches were evaluated, of which 27 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Why do so many approaches say 'not enough research yet'?
Because that is the honest state of the research. 'Not enough research yet' means clinical guidelines have not taken a clear position, or few controlled trials exist for that approach. This page shows the entire landscape — not only the flattering rows.
What if the exercises don't lead to improvement?
Studies report results at the population level — individual responses vary. The literature also describes signs that call for a medical check (listed under 'When to see a doctor'), and a clinician is the right address for an individual assessment.
🚩 When to see a doctor
Some symptoms call for a medical check before any exercise: severe pain after an injury, numbness or tingling, weakness, fever with pain, night pain that does not ease, or bladder/bowel changes. If any of these are present, see a doctor first.
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Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.