Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment: Ease Pain, Strengthen Movement, and Live Better

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) can make even simple daily movements—like putting on shoes, climbing stairs, or taking a walk—feel painful and limiting. This common degenerative joint condition develops when the smooth cartilage cushioning your hip joint wears down, causing stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort that can gradually reduce your mobility.

At Cole Pain Therapy Group in Memphis, TN, we help patients restore movement and reduce hip pain through personalized, hands-on care. Our clinic proudly serves Bartlett, Lakeland, and Arlington, Tennessee, providing evidence-based treatment plans designed to improve flexibility, stability, and long-term joint health.

Comparison of a healthy hip joint and one affected by osteoarthritis.

How Do You Treat Osteoarthritis in the Hip?

Effective treatment for hip osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and maintaining strength.

At our Memphis clinic, we begin with a detailed evaluation to identify the stage of osteoarthritis and any movement patterns that may be increasing your pain.

Common treatment options include:

  • Chiropractic and manual therapy: Gentle adjustments and mobilization techniques help reduce stiffness and improve hip joint movement.

  • Targeted exercise therapy: Strengthening the glutes, hips, and core enhances stability and reduces pressure on the arthritic joint.

  • Dry needling and soft-tissue therapy: These techniques relieve tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote better blood flow.

  • Lifestyle and ergonomic guidance: Modifying activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing low-impact exercises can help slow joint degeneration.

For more advanced cases, we may recommend supportive approaches such as aquatic therapy or hip bracing to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

What Does Hip Osteoarthritis Pain Feel Like?

Pain from hip osteoarthritis often begins as a deep ache in the groin, buttock, or front of the thigh. You might also notice stiffness after periods of rest—especially in the morning or after sitting for a while.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs

  • Difficulty bending over or putting on socks and shoes

  • A catching, grinding, or “locking” sensation in the hip joint

  • Pain that radiates toward the knee or thigh

Because hip OA can mimic other conditions, a professional evaluation is essential to identify the true cause and create the most effective treatment plan.

What Is the Best Exercise for Hip Osteoarthritis?

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage hip osteoarthritis—and it’s safe for most people when guided properly. Movement helps nourish the joint, improve flexibility, and strengthen supportive muscles.

The most beneficial exercises include:

  • Hip range-of-motion stretches to maintain flexibility

  • Glute and core strengthening to stabilize the hip

  • Low-impact aerobic activities such as swimming or cycling to build endurance without joint stress

  • Water-based exercise programs, which provide pain relief and joint support

Avoid high-impact activities or those requiring repetitive twisting. If you’re unsure where to start, our care team can create a personalized exercise plan to safely rebuild movement and reduce pain.

What Are the Four Stages of Hip Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis progresses gradually, moving through these stages:

  1. Stage 1 – Minor: Minimal cartilage wear; mild stiffness after activity.

  2. Stage 2 – Mild: Early cartilage breakdown; occasional discomfort during daily movements.

  3. Stage 3 – Moderate: More cartilage loss, friction between bones, and noticeable mobility limitations.

  4. Stage 4 – Severe: Severe cartilage damage; constant pain and major movement restriction.

Even in later stages, conservative treatment—including chiropractic adjustments, targeted rehabilitation, and dry needling—can help ease pain, enhance function, and delay the need for surgery.

At Cole Pain Therapy Group, we’re committed to helping you move comfortably and enjoy life again. Our integrated approach to hip osteoarthritis treatment in Memphis combines gentle chiropractic care, strengthening exercises, and long-term movement strategies that work.

If hip pain is slowing you down, schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward better mobility and comfort.

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We are the Memphis area’s top-rated chiropractic group, providing you with gentle chiropractic care, dry needle therapy, exercise therapy, and therapeutic massage.

cole pain therapy group

2845 Summer Oaks Dr, Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Life Shouldn't Hurt!

You Deserve To Feel Great. We Can Help!
Your go-to Chiropractor in Memphis, TN

cole pain therapy group

Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Monday – Friday:
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday :
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Walk-ins are Welcome!

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