Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis: delay operations and relieve pain!

Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis: delay operations and relieve pain!

On August 28, 2025, an event entitled “Physiotherapeutic measures for hip osteoarthritis” will take place in the Lübeck transition house. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the new findings from the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) on physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis in the early stages will be presented. The event will be led by Prof. Katrin Balzer, who works in the Section for Research and Teaching in Nursing. Experts like Prof. Dr. Katrin Balzer and Katrin Rösner inform participants about the results, which aim to relieve pain and improve mobility, as well as the possibility of slowing the progression of the disease. Information about the event can be found on the Digital Learning Campus website.

The event is a direct response to the increasing interest in physiotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. A recent study by IQWiG has shown that physiotherapy can not only relieve pain, but can also significantly delay the need for hip replacement surgery. This study was initiated by a citizen's suggestion who pointed out the high number of joint replacement operations in Germany.

Physiotherapy and its benefits

As research shows, physical therapy can play a critical role in treating hip osteoarthritis. The scientists examined 14 relevant studies that included various physical therapy applications, including multifunctional exercises to increase strength, endurance and flexibility, patient self-management education and regular warm baths. The results show that physiotherapy-guided exercises can reduce the risk of hip replacement by up to 4.5 years after therapy, especially if treatment is started early in the course of the disease. This information is important not only for the affected individuals, but also for healthcare professionals advising patients.

However, most of the studies examined have a high risk of bias and short follow-up durations, which limit the validity of the results. Despite these limitations, the potential of physical therapy is clear: treatment strategies can help increase quality of life and minimize the need for invasive procedures.

Statistical insights and future developments

Statistical data shows that around 5% of adults in Germany suffer from hip osteoarthritis with noticeable symptoms, with people over 45 years of age particularly affected. In the 80 to 89 age group, women are affected slightly more often than men. The need to avoid crowded surgical appointments is a central concern of current medical research.

For this reason, it is recommended that physiotherapy treatments, exercise exercises and, if necessary, medication to relieve pain be considered as part of a holistic approach. If you are overweight, losing weight is also recommended to alleviate the symptoms.

From October 2024, those with statutory health insurance will have the opportunity to obtain a second medical opinion on hip joint operations. IQWiG has also developed a decision-making aid for hip osteoarthritis and artificial hip joints. These developments show the increasing importance of informed decisions and active participation in the success of treatment for those affected.

Continued research remains crucial, as an unpublished study may provide further important insights into hip replacement. The need for a well-founded long-term evaluation of physiotherapeutic interventions could significantly change the future course of treatment of hip osteoarthritis.

Overall, citizen participation and scientific discussion represent a positive step in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis that benefits both patients and physicians. However, further physiotherapeutic interventions still need to be studied to conclusively assess their effectiveness over longer periods.

For more details about the IQWiG results on physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis, the reports can be read on uni-luebeck.de, hausaerztlichepraxis.digital and deutschesgesundheitsportal.de.