Patients who have an exercise program are less likely to need replacement surgery.
People with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis (OA) may be able to avoid hip surgery if they participate in a daily exercise routine. Studies show that people who participate in an exercise regimen for one hour a minimum of twice a week are less likely to need hip replacement surgery than those who do not have an exercise routine. Also, those who exercise report improved flexibility and ability to perform physical activities.
Exercise therapy can avoid the need for total hip replacement in people with hip OA. This may not apply to people with severe hip OA, knee OA or back pain.