Can Physical Therapy Reduce My Hip Pain?

When chronic hip pain strikes, physical therapy can often provide relief. However, when there’s significant damage, as in advanced hip arthritis, surgical approaches are often necessary for lasting relief and restored function.

Rates of chronic pain, including hip pain, have risen sharply. Hip pain is highest among people ages 65 and over, and most commonly caused by osteoarthritis.

The hip joint is built to handle years of movement and weight-bearing, but over time, wear and tear, injury, or underlying conditions can lead to ongoing discomfort.

At Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center in Henderson and Las Vegas, patients receive comprehensive, personalized care for hip pain. Specialists like Keith W. Kotecki, DO, and Michael S. Bradford, MD, offer hip care solutions that help patients regain mobility and improve quality of life.

If you’re dealing with hip pain from advanced joint damage or long-standing arthritis, physical therapy may not be enough.

How physical therapy helps hip pain

Physical therapy plays an important role in managing many types of hip pain. It focuses on strengthening the muscles that support your hip joint, improving flexibility, and correcting movement patterns that may be contributing to discomfort.

For conditions like mild arthritis or early joint dysfunction, therapy can:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve range of motion
Increase strength and stability
Help you return to daily activities

Many patients see improvement with a structured physical therapy program.

When physical therapy may not be enough

While physical therapy is effective for many, it doesn’t resolve every case of hip pain, especially when structural damage is involved.

You may notice that despite weeks or months of therapy:

Pain continues or worsens
Stiffness limits your daily activities
You have difficulty with movement
Pain interferes with sleep
You rely more on pain medications just to get through the day

These can be signs that the underlying issue goes beyond what therapy alone can correct.

Signs you may benefit from surgical repair or replacement

Hip surgery is reserved for cases of significant joint damage.

You may be a candidate for surgical treatment if:

Imaging shows significant joint damage
Your hip pain is impacting your daily life
You’ve tried other treatments without relief
You’re limiting activities you once enjoyed

A thorough evaluation can help determine whether surgery is appropriate and what type would be most effective.

Surgical options for hip pain

When hip pain is caused by significant joint damage, surgery may offer the most reliable path to long-term relief. The right procedure depends on the condition of your joint, your activity level, and your overall health.

Total hip replacement

Total hip replacement involves removing damaged portions of the joint and replacing them with artificial components that allow for smoother, more comfortable movement. It’s commonly recommended for advanced arthritis or severe degeneration.

Minimally invasive hip replacement

Minimally invasive hip replacement uses smaller incisions and techniques designed to limit disruption to surrounding tissue. While not appropriate for every patient, this approach may support a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort when performed on the right candidate.

Revision hip replacement

Revision hip replacement is performed when a previous hip implant has worn out, loosened, or failed. This more complex procedure requires specialized expertise to correct the issue, relieve pain, and restore function so you can regain confidence in your movement.

What to expect from hip surgery

Modern hip surgery has advanced significantly, making recovery more manageable than many patients expect.

After surgery, most patients:

Begin moving within a day or two
Participate in guided physical therapy during recovery
Gradually return to daily activities over several weeks

The goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

Finding the right next step

Physical therapy is an important and often effective part of treating hip pain. If you’re not seeing the results you hoped for, it may be time to explore what’s next.

At Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, we are committed to finding the best approach to restoring hip function and relieving pain.

If hip pain is limiting your life, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Our team can help you understand your options and take the next step toward lasting relief.