In many cases, yes. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for hip pain before considering surgery. Treatment focuses on improving joint mobility, increasing strength, reducing pain, correcting movement patterns, and helping you return to everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence. Clinical guidelines support physical therapy as a conservative treatment option for people with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis. [guidelinecentral.com], [aaos.org]
Research has shown that exercise-based physical therapy may help delay or even prevent surgery for some patients. In one long-term study of individuals with hip osteoarthritis, patients who participated in exercise therapy were 44% less likely to require total hip replacement surgery during the study period compared with those who did not receive exercise therapy. They also went significantly longer before needing surgery, when surgery eventually became necessary. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
While physical therapy cannot prevent every surgery, many patients experience meaningful improvements in pain, mobility, strength, and overall function through a personalized treatment plan. If surgery ultimately becomes the best option, physical therapy can help you prepare for the procedure and improve your recovery afterward. [guidelinecentral.com], [choosept.com]
