Effects of conventional physiotherapy intervention on pain, stiffness and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis

Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(4), 3-6.

P. Kazakov, Ts. Krasteva, M. Bozhkova

Medical College, Medical University – Plovdiv

Abstract. Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a chronic degenerative join disease that can significantly impair mobility, increase pain and greatly diminish quality of life. It is the second most common form of osteoarthritis after knee osteoarthritis. On a global scale, it affects approximately around 8.5% of all adults, and about 73% of people living with osteoarthritis are older than 55 years with prevalence peaking between the ages 60-64 years. People living with hip osteoarthritis (HOA) often experience progressive stiffness, difficulty walking and reduced independence with the activities of daily living. Current standard treatments include pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods and surgical methods in advanced cases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a standard physiotherapy program on pain, stiffness and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis used in the majority of the Bulgarian governmental physiotherapy centers. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three patients with clinically diagnosed hip osteoarthritis underwent a 7-day physiotherapy treatment consisting of muscle-strengthening exercises and physical modalities. Patients filled anonymously the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all sections. Mean scores of the WOMAN index decreased by 2.09 points for pain, 1.17 for stiffness, and 9.65 for function (all p < 0.001). The total score improved by 12.87 points post-treatment which indicates clinically meaningful gains in mobility and symptom relief. Conclusion: A targeted 7-day physiotherapy intervention led to statistically and clinically significant improvements in symptoms of hip osteoarthritis. The findings support physiotherapy as an effective conservative treatment for enhancing mobility and quality of life in this small patient group.

Key words: physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, hip osteoarthritis, exercise therapy

Address for correspondence: Petar Kazakov, e-mail: Petar.Kazakov@mu-plovdiv.bg, Tsveta Krasteva, e-mail: Tsveta.Krasteva@mu-plovdiv.bg, Mariya Bozhkova, e-mail: Mariya.Bozhkova@mu-plovdiv.bg