Hip osteoarthritis
Stiffness and groin or buttock ache from a wearing hip joint, well helped by guided strength work.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Hip osteoarthritis is a gradual change in the cartilage and joint surfaces of the hip. It usually shows up as stiffness in the morning, an ache in the groin or buttock after activity, and growing difficulty with socks, stairs and getting out of the car.
A diagnosis of osteoarthritis is not a sentence to stop moving. Australian and international guidelines put guided exercise and strength work first, before injections or surgery, and many people find the right program improves pain and function considerably.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with hip osteoarthritis. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess your hip range, strength and walking pattern, then build a progressive strength program targeted at the muscles that unload the joint, alongside hands on therapy for comfort and advice on pacing and activity. The aim is a hip that does more with less pain, and if a joint replacement is ever needed, going in strong and rehabilitating well afterwards makes a real difference to the result.
- Hip strength and movement assessment
- Progressive strengthening program
- Hands on therapy for comfort
- Activity pacing and load advice
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
Learn more →
Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
Learn more →
Chronic pain physiotherapy
A broader, paced approach for pain that has stayed past the normal healing time.
Learn more →
What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Will I end up needing a hip replacement?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about hip osteoarthritis, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.