Making a Wave in the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis in the Older Adult

The current geriatric population was once among the most athletically active generations to date, among both males and females. As a result, many of the population >65+ have been diagnosed with varying severities and locations of osteoarthritis. 

By definition, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects many joints throughout the body. According to the CDC, OA affects 13.9% of the population aged>25 years and 33.6% of those aged 65+. The pain and dysfunction associated with this diagnosis result in low levels of physical activity. This places individuals with arthritis at further risk of inactivity-associated conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and functional limitations.

Older adults with hip osteoarthritis are at higher risk of falls because of lower limb weakness, slower gait, decreased mobility, and pain. Because of a greater fear of falls, this population may be reluctant or unable to participate in a standard fall-prevention program, such as balance, resistance, and land-based aerobic conditioning. Aquatic exercise has been promoted as an extremely effective program for individuals with lower extremity OA to decrease pain and improve function and self-efficacy.

Why Water Exercise Is Different from Land-Based Exercise

Traditional land-based exercise can place increased stress on the joints, especially the knees and hips. For individuals with osteoarthritis, this added load can make movement uncomfortable or even painful.

Water exercise provides a supportive environment where water supports body weight and reduces joint stress. This allows individuals to perform movements that may not be possible during a land-based workout. As a result, water-based exercise is often a safer and more comfortable option for exercise for people with joint pain.

How Aquatic Therapy Helps Joint Pain

Aquatic therapy uses the natural properties of water to support movement and reduce discomfort. When using water for exercise, buoyancy decreases pressure on the joints, while water resistance helps build muscle strength without heavy impact.

This combination makes aquatic exercise programs especially effective for improving pain and function in individuals with arthritis.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy can support recovery in several ways:

• Warm water helps muscles relax and improves circulation.
• Water resistance supports gentle strength training.
• The environment improves balance, body awareness, and trunk stability.
• Buoyancy reduces pressure on joints, making movement more comfortable.
• Reduced load on the body allows safe gait training and strengthening without stressing healing structures.

A recent study explored how aquatic exercise, combined with education, can help reduce fall risk in older adults with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The study included seventy-nine adults aged 65 and older with hip OA and at least one fall risk factor. Participants were divided into three groups: aquatic exercise only, aquatic exercise plus weekly education, and a control group continuing usual activity.

The results showed that combining aquatic exercise with education improved confidence with movement (falls efficacy) and overall functional performance. This means aquatic therapy can be a safe, effective way to improve mobility, build strength, and reduce fall risk in older adults with hip OA.

Examples of Water-Based Workouts

There are many ways to participate in water workouts, depending on your comfort level and goals. Examples include:

• Walking or jogging in the pool
• Water aerobics classes
• Gentle strengthening exercises using resistance from the water
• Swimming laps for cardiovascular fitness

These types of water-based workouts allow individuals to stay active while minimizing joint strain.

Start your aquatic therapy program today and take one step closer to the lifestyle that osteoarthritis has functionally limited you from.