Hip Osteoarthritis (OA) rehabilitation in Canberra.

Structured exercise physiology for hip osteoarthritis (oa). Evidence-based, 1:1 with James Murphy AEP. NDIS, DVA, Medicare CDM and private health accepted.

Hip Osteoarthritis (OA)...
Progressive evidence-based loading
1:1 sessions, never groups
NDIS, DVA & Medicare accepted

Book an appointment → 0418 153 608

Condition & approach

Hip Osteoarthritis (OA).

Exercise is strongly recommended as first-line treatment for hip OA by all major clinical guidelines. Hip OA rehabilitation at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology involves progressive hip and lower limb strengthening, aerobic exercise at therapeutic doses, education on self-management, and load management strategies to reduce pain while maintaining function.

All programs are 1:1 with James and reviewed every 6 weeks. Progress letters are sent to your GP or surgeon within 2 weeks of initial assessment.

What the evidence says.

For hip osteoarthritis, every major international guideline says the same thing: exercise and education are first line treatment, ahead of injections and well ahead of surgery. Structured programs built on this evidence show meaningful reductions in pain and improvements in function, and for a portion of participants they delay or remove the need for a replacement. Exercise does not wear the joint out faster. Cartilage responds to sensible loading, and the muscles around an arthritic hip are the shock absorbers the joint needs most.

How I treat it.

We start where your hip actually is: how far you can walk, what stairs feel like, what strength your glutes and quads can produce today. The program is progressive strength work dosed for an irritable joint, warmed up properly, built up patiently, plus the walking and balance work that keeps you confident. Flare management is part of the plan, not a failure of it.

If your hip is heading toward replacement anyway, this same work is the best preparation you can do. Stronger hips recover faster from surgery, and I run prehab and post surgical rehab as one continuous thread.

What we aim for.

Walking distance and stair confidence measurably improved
Pain that interferes less with sleep and life
A replacement delayed, avoided, or entered strong
Independence from the couch, the cane and the waiting room

Frequently asked

Hip Osteoarthritis (OA) is covered by DVA with a D904 GP referral at no cost to eligible veterans. NDIS covers hip conditions where they impact your disability-related function. Medicare CDM plans from your GP provide up to 5 Medicare-rebated sessions per year. Private health extras and self-pay are also available.

In most cases, structured exercise rehabilitation is the recommended first-line approach. James will advise based on your specific presentation, imaging, and goals, and coordinates with your orthopaedic surgeon's recommendations.

This depends significantly on your specific condition, severity, and goals. James will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your initial assessment, with formal reviews every 6 weeks.

Key evidence

Recent literature behind this program.

A selection of the research and clinical guidelines that inform how this condition is managed at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology.

Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2019;27:1578–1589.
Skou ST, Roos EM. Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D): evidence-based education and supervised neuromuscular exercise delivered by certified physiotherapists nationwide. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2017;18:72.

Evidence summaries are provided for information only and are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.

Online booking

Book your appointment.

Same-week availability for NDIS, DVA, CDM, CTP and private clients.

Prefer to call? 0418 153 608 · or email admin@fwphysiology.com