Physiotherapy for Hip Osteoarthritis in Markham: Exercise and Safety
Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis may use tailored strengthening, mobility, and aerobic exercise to support daily function.[1][3] For people in Markham, an assessment can help match activity to current ability, goals, health history, and symptom response.[3] Exercise may offer small improvements, but it is not a cure and results differ between people.[1][2]
What is hip osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that affects the whole joint and may cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair.[2][3] Symptoms and function, rather than a single scan result, should guide management; NICE says imaging is not routinely needed unless features are atypical or suggest another diagnosis.[1]
A physiotherapy assessment does not assume that every hip symptom is osteoarthritis.[1] The clinician may ask when symptoms began, what activities change them, whether there was a recent injury, and how the problem affects work, sleep, walking, or other daily tasks.[1][3]
How may physiotherapy support hip osteoarthritis?
NICE recommends therapeutic exercise tailored to the person, including local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness, and says supervised sessions can be considered.[1] Arthritis Society Canada says a physiotherapist can develop an individualized program for strength, flexibility, range of motion, mobility, and exercise tolerance.[3]
Depending on the assessment, a plan may include:[1][3]
- hip and leg strengthening suited to your current ability.[1][3]
- gradual mobility or range-of-motion work.[1][3]
- walking, cycling, or another tolerable aerobic activity.[1][3]
- practice with daily tasks such as sit-to-stand or stairs.[3]
- education about pacing, symptom monitoring, and adapting activity.[1][3]
Manual therapy should not replace active care.[1] NICE advises considering manual therapy for hip or knee osteoarthritis only alongside therapeutic exercise because evidence does not support using it alone.[1]
What does current evidence say about exercise?
A 2026 Cochrane review found 18 studies involving 1,368 adults with hip osteoarthritis.[2] Compared with no treatment, usual care, or limited education, exercise probably led to small improvements in pain and joint function, although the average differences may not be noticeable in daily life.[2]
That finding supports realistic expectations.[2] Exercise is a core management option, but it does not guarantee pain relief or prevent every flare.[1][2] The most useful plan is one that can be adjusted, practised consistently, and reviewed against goals that matter to you.[1][3]
Is some discomfort during exercise normal?
Joint pain may rise when therapeutic exercise begins.[1] NICE advises explaining that regular, consistent exercise can still benefit joints over time, with longer-term adherence linked to reduced pain and better function and quality of life.[1]
Do not use a fixed exercise list as a substitute for an assessment.[1][3] A physiotherapist can help adjust the movement, resistance, repetitions, rest, or activity choice if symptoms are difficult to manage.[3] Stop and seek advice if an exercise causes new pain or a clear worsening that does not settle as expected.[1]
When should hip symptoms be assessed promptly?
Seek appropriate medical assessment if symptoms follow recent trauma, worsen rapidly, involve a hot or swollen joint, or come with other signs that could suggest infection or another condition.[1] Do not delay urgent care to begin an exercise program.[1]
How can Markham residents ask about physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is listed as a service at Markham Pain Clinic.[4] Learn about the service: https://www.markhampain.com/services/physiotherapy
Contact the clinic with questions: https://www.markhampain.com/contact
View appointment availability or request a booking: https://markhampainclinic.janeapp.com/
Frequently asked questions
Can physiotherapy cure hip osteoarthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis does not currently have a cure, but symptoms and function may be managed with approaches that can include therapeutic exercise, physical activity, education, and other appropriate care.[1][3]
Do I need an X-ray before starting physiotherapy?
Not always.[1] NICE says osteoarthritis can often be diagnosed clinically and that imaging is not routinely needed unless symptoms are atypical or suggest another or additional diagnosis.[1] Your healthcare professional can advise what is appropriate in your situation.[1]
What kinds of exercise may be included?
A tailored program may include local strengthening, mobility work, and aerobic activity.[1][3] The exact exercises, starting level, and progression should reflect your assessment, goals, health history, and response.[1][3]
What if exercise makes my hip sore?
Some discomfort can occur when starting.[1] Discuss the response with your physiotherapist so the program can be adjusted.[1][3] New, severe, or persistently worsening symptoms deserve reassessment rather than pushing through them.[1]
Markham Pain Clinic 8312 McCowan Rd Suite #206, Markham ON L3P 8E1.[5] +1 905-470-2626.[5]
Published by Markham Pain Clinic · November 4, 2026
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only. It does not diagnose hip osteoarthritis and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Whether physiotherapy or exercise is appropriate depends on an assessment. Seek prompt medical care for severe, rapidly worsening, or otherwise concerning symptoms.
Sources
[1] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226/chapter/Recommendations [2] https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007912_exercise-effective-therapy-hip-osteoarthritis [3] https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types/osteoarthritis [4] https://www.markhampain.com/services/physiotherapy [5] https://www.markhampain.com/contact