Osteoarthritis of the hip joint - keep moving instead of surgery
How physiotherapy and occupational therapy can effectively help with coxarthrosis
Pain when walking, starting pain after sitting, stiff movements in everyday life - all of these can indicate osteoarthritis in the hip joint. Coxarthrosis is one of the most common joint diseases in middle and old age. Many sufferers fear that only an operation will help. However, with targeted physiotherapy and occupational therapy to adapt to everyday life, the progression can be slowed down, the pain alleviated - and an active life without surgery can be maintained for years.
What is coxarthrosis?
Coxarthrosis is a degenerative change in the hip joint in which cartilage mass decreases, the joint space narrows and the gliding ability of the joint surfaces is restricted. Common causes are
Age-related wear and tear
Hip dysplasia or previous malpositions
Overweight, lack of exercise or one-sided strain
Previous injuries or operations
Typical symptoms:
Exercise-induced groin pain (later also pain at rest)
Limited internal rotation and abduction ability
Limping, relieving posture, muscle imbalances
Restriction of everyday movements (e.g. putting on shoes, climbing stairs)
Important: Osteoarthritis does not necessarily mean pain - and pain does not automatically mean the need for surgery.
Exercise is therapy - why conservative treatment is often sufficient
The hip is one of the body's strongest joints - and is also surprisingly adaptable to structural changes. Studies show: Targeted exercise therapy can significantly alleviate pain, improve mobility and postpone or even avoid surgery.
Aim of conservative therapy:
Maintain joint mobility
Improve muscular guidance and stability
Avoid relieving postures
Strengthening everyday skills
Establish pain management
Physiotherapy - targeted mobility and functional strengthening
Physiotherapy for coxarthrosis does not follow the principle of "more movement always helps" - instead, it focuses on dosed, joint-friendly activity, functional correction and vegetative regulation.
Therapeutic focus:
Mobilization of the hip and adjacent structures (lumbar spine, SI joint, knee)
Strengthening the pelvic and hip muscles (especially gluteus medius, iliopsoas, pelvic floor)
Improvement of gait and balance
Fascia and soft tissue techniques for pain relief
Medical yoga for the joy of movement and vegetative relief
Special feature: Targeted movement guidance reduces compensations and strengthens confidence in your own movement system - despite osteoarthritis.
Occupational therapy - making everyday life mobile again
Coxarthrosis affects not only the joint, but everyday life as a whole: household, mobility, work and leisure. Occupational therapy helps people to remain active despite their limitations.
Occupational therapy measures:
Back-friendly and hip-friendly everyday training (e.g. when sitting, bending down, carrying)
Adaptation of workplaces and home environment
Advice on aids (e.g. gripping aids, elevators, walking aids)
Walking training and safety development in public spaces
Training on energy management and load spacing
Work on self-efficacy, body awareness and everyday motivation
Holistic approach: understanding coxarthrosis biopsychosocially
At Hockenholz, we see osteoarthritis not just as a joint problem - but as an expression of a complex interplay between body, behavior and lifestyle. We integrate this into our therapies:
Modern pain education - pain is not always harm
Mindful movement instruction - no fear of strain
Stress reduction and vegetative regulation - less muscle tone, more relief
Resource-oriented goal work - what works, what is good, what strengthens?
Conclusion: osteoarthritis of the hip is not destiny - but an impetus for change
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be painful and restrictive - but does not necessarily require surgery. Many symptoms can be alleviated with targeted physiotherapy, sensible adjustments to everyday life and positive therapeutic support. The aim is to maintain mobility, improve quality of life - and experience the body as a reliable partner again.
Are you a therapist and want to find out more about treating osteoarthritis?
Then discover our practical training courses for functional movement therapy, medical yoga and holistic pain treatment:
👉 www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen
Are you affected yourself?
We will support you professionally, individually and with a clear goal: back to a life in motion. In our practice in Berlin or online.