Support for Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Throughout your treatment and recovery for osteoarthritis of the hip, NYU Langone doctors, physical therapists, and physiatrists—doctors who specialize in rehabilitation medicine—offer services and programs designed to help you heal quickly and comfortably.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and exercise are an important part of recovery, whether or not you’ve had surgery. For people who have had a total hip replacement surgery, physical therapy is an especially important part of recovery. Learning how to walk comfortably takes time, and our therapists have specialized training to help you rebuild muscle in your thighs, back, and buttocks while improving flexibility and increasing the range of motion in the hip.

Our surgeons usually recommend outpatient physical therapy, which means you work with a therapist once or twice a week in a local clinic or at home. Our doctors can help you arrange care at home by suggesting an in-network physical therapist. A physical therapist can also create a routine of simple exercises you can do in between physical therapy sessions to reinforce muscle tone and flexibility.

If you have had surgery, walking and exercising gradually become easier over the course of four to eight weeks. Your physical therapist may increase the amount of weight you can put on the new hip until your mobility and strength return to prearthritis levels. The therapist regularly evaluates your progress before recommending additional treatment.

Mind–Body Wellness

NYU Langone offers a variety of wellness programs that may boost an overall sense of wellbeing while you pursue treatment. Therapies like acupressure, acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation can relieve pain and reduce stress and anxiety. Acupuncture and acupressure can reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and help the immune system to remain healthy.

Tai chi is an ancient form of exercise based on a series of simple body movements that are held for varying amounts of time. Tai chi is low impact, and most routines move at a slow, graceful pace, emphasizing mental focus, balance, and calmness. Many people find that tai chi boosts their energy level and reduces stress. Studies support the use of tai chi to improve balance and reduce joint pain.

Meditation is a form of deep relaxation that has been used by people all over the world for centuries. During meditation, people usually sit quietly with their eyes closed, remaining still and tranquil. Many people find that meditation helps restore emotional balance, reduce stress, and boost energy and focus.

Tobacco Cessation

Research shows that smoking cigarettes and consuming other tobacco products slows the rate at which bones heal after surgery. Some insurance companies won’t cover a total joint replacement surgery unless you quit smoking.

Our doctors understand how hard it is to stop smoking and offer Tobacco Cessation Programs to help you every step of the way.

Weight Loss

As one of the body’s strongest and most important joints, the hip helps bear the weight of the body and keep you balanced during movement. Extra weight on the body’s frame puts more stress on the hips, increasing the risk of hip injury or the development of osteoarthritis of the hip. Obesity also increases the risk of complications or failure after total joint replacement.

Our doctors understand that losing weight is difficult, and nutritionists and weight loss counselors at NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program can help you make positive changes for the long term.