..and foung that it worked? Okay, I've posted about this before but I've been moved now from individual sessions into a 'hip group' for a 6 week session. I'm noticing some benefit - my thigh muscles are getting stronger and I know that was a source of some of the pain, but the groin pain and the pain inside the joint are just as bad. I will continue to give it my best shot so that I can go back to my GP and not feel that I haven't tried, but I still see a THR as the only thing that will give me long-term relief and allow me to get back to driving and everyday living without so much pain and difficulty.
Has anyone had physio and found they didn't need a hip replacement?
Physio only helps regain movement and will not cure OA once you have lost the cartilage between the joints it is gone forever. Sorry but that is the reality. Have you had an X-ray
Hi, I had physio to strengthen my muscles years ago before my first hip op. I was swinging my leg through when walking and couldn't lift it up when lying down. The physio really worked for that hip. the weak muscles were caused by lack of use and just the socket and head in the hip joint were really bad Though I knew it was not going to put the operation off it really helped my recovery as the muscles were stronger.
On to my second hip where I had a lot of different issues with the gluteus muscle giving way frequently and I used to almost fall and stabbing groin pains. The joint has also worn but in a completely different way. I tried some individual phsyio in the early stages when the xray looked ok and the doc said they would just turn me away as I had heard that it could help postpone any op. My leg did improve. However the symptoms got worse and I tried some more physio and joined a group for people with various leg problems - it was a sort of circuit training. I was ok for the first cople of weeks but there were some impact exercises which caused pain and I couldn't do them. My hip was then deteorating rapidly over a very short time and with a supporting letter to my gp I went back to the docs. the xray showed - I thnk it was about a year and a half after the last one - a much worse hip - and the consultant booked me in straight away for 12 weeks later. There was further worsening in that time.
So physio didn't put any op off but in the first case helped to strengthen muscles and in the second highlighted that the hip had got too bad.
That's just how my leg is Annedi, I couldn't lift it off the bed when lying down, or lift it off the floor when sitting down. The physio is helping that and strengthening that muscle, but from the way my physio is talking it's going to be a miracle cure but I know it won't be. He doesn't seem to understand or believe me when I say I can feel bones rubbing together, he just says the body grows new bone as a way of curing itself. I'm glad to be having the physio though because if I do move on to a THR (which I believe will be the only option) then at least I will start with stronger muscles.
As your xray was over a year ago and you have more pain - i really think you should go to your doc and ask for another one - a lot can change in a year
Hi cellsb --- I had physical therapy prior THR and it got worse :-( Well, I shouldn;t say that - probably it made me more and faster aware that my movements had become very limited and caused pain ... there was no other option than get the THR surgery - oh boy, I was in denial for a long time ...at that time it was a bone-on-bone situation - however, it definitely helps having stronger muscles post op - a hi[ppy group sounds like fun !!!!
don't wait too long because it doesn;t go away -- take care
Hi CelsB. I don't think physio will ever prevent a hip replacement but it can delay it. This time last year I was struggling with walking. My son got me a walking stick and showed me some simple exercises. I am now so proficient with my stick I can walk quite fast and overtake people! I still suffer if I walk too far, if it's a 'bad day', or don't listen to my body but my left leg (good leg) is so much stronger and it is supporting my bad leg so much. The muscles on my right leg are a long way behind my left but they are not wasted. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that the stronger muscles will help my post op recovery. Having op on Friday. Will be pleased as I now suffer from pain in my left shoulder, left wrist and a slightly fallen foot arch. You gain in one way and suffer in another! I haven't been able to drive since November so looking forward to getting back my independence. It sounds as if they are putting you off just yet for op. Are you younger than 60? I find that they are still anxious doing THR on 'younger' people. I was diagnosed when I was 45. I am now 54 (nearly 55 in June) and just getting op. Keep at them but continue doing exercises as you will benefit from them. Good Luck x
Good luck with the op, I'm sure you'll sail through it and like you, if/when that time comes for me I think the stronger muscles will help. I'm 66, I was diagnosed last year but I'd struggled for a while before eventually seeing my GP. Now I wish I'd gone earlier but you soldier on don't you? I've got OA in right hip and knee, and in my lower and upper spine, but the hip is by far the worse. On my bad days I feel like I really want the hip replacement and on my better days I think maybe I can go on as I am but I do strugge with walking any distance, I've given up bowling and driving is becoming difficult, moving my foot from the accelerator to brake, and I worry about having to do an emergency stop! I will keep doing the exercises.
Hi Renee, I don't think the physio is making my OA worse, I feel my thigh muscles are getting stronger but I think as the pain in my thigh subsides I am beginning to be more aware of the pain in my groin and inside the joint. Not sure if I'm bone on bone yet but sometimes it feels like it. I'm going to ask for another Xray as I'm sure there has been some deterioration since the last one. I'll let you know how the hip group goes and if it's fun or not
I've got OA in right hip and knee, and in my lower and upper spine, but the hip is by far the worse. On my bad days I feel like I really want the hip replacement and on my better days I think maybe I can go on as I am but I do strugge with walking any distance, I've given up bowling and driving is becoming difficult, moving my foot from the accelerator to brake, and I worry about having to do an emergency stop! I will keep doing the exercises.