Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Hip Pain in Elderly Patients: Physiotherapy in Faridabad
Hip pain is one of the most significant contributors to disability and fall risk in older adults. Osteoarthritis, bursitis, muscle weakness, and fractures are the most common causes.
In elderly patients, hip pain not only reduces mobility and independence but dramatically increases fall risk — which can be catastrophic. Physiotherapy provides a safe, evidence-based approach to managing hip pain, restoring strength and mobility, and reducing fall risk in the elderly population.
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists provide personalised, evidence-based care. Serving NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and across Faridabad. Contact us: +91 9818185589.
Research Insight: Research from the Annals of Internal Medicine (2020) confirmed that exercise therapy for hip OA in elderly patients produces pain reduction equivalent to anti-inflammatory medication and markedly better functional improvement — without the gastrointestinal side effects that limit NSAID use in older adults.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Hip osteoarthritis: cartilage degeneration causing deep groin pain and stiffness
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (trochanteric bursitis): outer hip pain on lying on the side
- Hip fracture (NOF fracture): from falls in osteoporotic bone
- Hip avascular necrosis: often from long-term steroid use or alcohol
- Referred pain from lumbar spine (L3–L4 nerve roots)
- Sarcopenia-related hip abductor weakness causing lateral hip pain with activity
- Post-surgical hip pain after THA or hip fracture fixation
Signs and Symptoms
- Deep groin pain or buttock pain, worsened by walking and improved by rest (OA pattern)
- Outer hip and thigh pain worse on lying on the affected side (trochanteric bursitis)
- Stiffness worst in the morning or after prolonged sitting
- Limp and reduced walking distance
- Difficulty putting on shoes and socks (internal rotation restriction)
- Reduced balance and increased fall risk
Hip pain in elderly patients is particularly important to treat early because of the domino effect: pain causes reduced activity, which causes muscle weakness, which causes falls, which cause fractures. Each step makes the next worse.
The earlier we interrupt this cycle with physiotherapy, the more independence the patient preserves.
- ✦ Hip OA affects 25% of adults over 70 in India
- ✦ Elderly patients with hip pain have a 3× higher fall risk
- ✦ Exercise therapy reduces hip OA pain equivalent to anti-inflammatory medication
- ✦ Hip fracture in adults over 80 has a 12-month mortality rate of 20–30%
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Hip strengthening: gluteus medius and maximus loading — the foundation of all hip rehabilitation
- Aquatic physiotherapy for gentle hip exercise with minimal joint loading
- Manual therapy: hip joint mobilisation within pain-free range
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome management: ITB stretching, gluteal loading, and sleep positioning advice
- Fall prevention: balance retraining and walking confidence programme
- Home visit physiotherapy for patients with mobility limitations
- Gait retraining: normalising walking pattern to reduce joint loading
- Coordination with orthopaedic surgeon for OA staging and surgical planning when appropriate
Recovery Programme
Phase 1 — Pain Relief (Weeks 1–3): Manual therapy, electrotherapy, and gentle movement to reduce inflammation and restore baseline function.
Phase 2 — Strengthening (Weeks 3–8): Progressive resistance training, neuromuscular re-education, and functional retraining.
Phase 3 — Return to Activity (Weeks 8–16): Task-specific conditioning and a home programme to maintain gains and prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Realign Rehab Clinic, Faridabad?
Led by Dr. Vaishali Suri (BPT), Realign Rehab delivers one-on-one physiotherapy with advanced electrotherapy, manual therapy, and home visits.
Our clinic is at NIT-5, Faridabad — accessible from Green Field Colony, Sector 21–82, Ballabhgarh, and the Delhi border.
- Personalised treatment plans based on your specific diagnosis
- Evidence-based protocols aligned with international guidelines
- Home visits for post-operative and mobility-limited patients
- Flexible appointments: Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 7 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hip pain in older adults?
Hip osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, hip muscle weakness (especially gluteus medius), and referred pain from the lumbar spine are the most common causes. A physiotherapy assessment identifies the specific cause.
Can physiotherapy prevent hip replacement?
Physiotherapy can considerably delay or prevent hip replacement for many patients by managing OA symptoms, strengthening hip muscles, and improving function. Surgery becomes necessary when pain and disability are severe despite peak conservative management.
Is exercise safe for elderly patients with hip pain?
Yes — exercise is the most evidence-based treatment for hip OA. Exercise is safe and produces better long-term outcomes than rest.
Our physiotherapist designs exercises appropriate for each patient's fitness level and medical status.
Do you offer home physiotherapy for hip pain in Faridabad?
Yes — we provide home visit physiotherapy for elderly patients with hip pain across Faridabad, including NIT, Green Field Colony, and Sector 21–82. Call +91 9818185589 to arrange a home visit.
How many sessions does hip pain physiotherapy require?
Typically 8–16 sessions over 8–12 weeks, followed by an independent home exercise programme. Chronic hip OA requires ongoing monitoring and exercise maintenance to preserve function long-term.
Book Your Consultation
Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM