One of the most common joint disorders and the leading cause of disability in adults is osteoarthritis, a disease that affects an estimated 27 million Americans.

Previous studies have found that weight loss can decrease the frequency of knee dysfunction and disability in individuals with osteoarthritis, but until recently there has been limited research on the effectiveness of regular exercise or weight loss as a method of treatment for hip osteoarthritis. A new research initiative, involving 35 adults diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, has been gathering evidence for the effectiveness of exercise and weight loss for overweight or obese patients with hip OA.

The subjects participated in an 8-month long doctor-managed weight-loss and exercise program. Over the course of the study, the participants reported on levels of physical function, pain, and walking ability. These measures were used to determine the success of the treatment programs. At the end of the 8-month program, the researchers reported an average 32.6% improvement in physical function, along with considerable improvements in pain levels, range of motion and walking ability.

The results provide promising preliminary support for the effectiveness of weight loss and regular exercise as treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip. Combining weight loss and exercise therapy with chiropractic adjustments, another non-medical way to ease hip pain, may be one of the best options for those suffering with hip osteoarthritis. Previous research has shown that 83% of patients with pain caused by hip osteoarthritis improved within nine chiropractic treatments.

Next Steps

Know someone who’s suffering from hip pain? At Ascent Chiropractic we can help to determine the cause of their hip pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, exercise, ultrasound therapy, soft tissue mobilization, stretching, massage therapy, or other forms of care. These natural choices for treating hip dysfunction can help osteoarthritis sufferers avoid the risk and expense of drugs and surgery. Give us a call at 262-345-4166 or schedule an appointment online.

References
Paan N, et al. Effect of Exercise and Weight Loss in individuals Who Have Hip Osteoarthritis and Are Overweight or Obese: A Prospective Cohort Study. Physical Therapy 2012; doi: 10.2522/​ptj.20110418.
Brantingham JW, Globe GA, Cassa TK. A single group pretest-posttest design using full kinetic chain manipulative therapy with rehabilitation in the treatment of 18 patients with hip OA. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapy 2012; 33(6): 445-57.