Hip Osteoarthritic Exercises

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage surrounding the joints breaks down causing the bones to rub against each other and affects more than 21 million people in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center's website. Hip osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the hip joints and surrounding areas and may interfere with activities of daily living. Physical exercise promotes a healthy body weight, decreasing the amount of stress placed on the joints and contributes to improvement in hip range of motion and flexibility.

Strength Training Exercises

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) recommends strength training as a part of an exercise program for hip osteoarthritis. According to NIAMS, hip osteoarthritis may make it difficult to get dressed and perform other activities. Increasing muscular strength may ease some daily challenges and help protect the hip joints, reducing the risk of injury during a fall or accident. The ball bridge strengthens the hips, without placing external stress on them. Sit on the top of a stability ball and rest both of your feet on the ground, hip width apart. Simultaneously, walk your feet out in front of you and lower your head and back onto the ball. Stop when your head, shoulders and back are on the ball. Lift your hips until they form a straight line with your knees, lower back and shoulders. Tighten your abdominal muscles and hold.

Range of Motion Exercises

NIAMS also recommends range-of-motion exercises to decease joint and muscular stiffness, two symptoms of hip osteoarthritis. Side leg raises increase hip range of motion while building strength in the adductors, located on the outside of the hips. Standing while doing this reduces pain that may occur when lying on an affected hip. Stabilize yourself during this exercise: stand behind a chair,and rest your hands on the back of it. Pointing your toes forward, lift your right foot off of the ground and shift your weight onto your left leg. Straighten your right leg and lift it out to your side, parallel to the floor. If you can't lift your foot that high, raise it as high as possible and build your foundational strength.

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic activity, the third exercise component recommended by NIAMS for his osteoarthritis, promotes a healthy weight and improves cardiovascular functioning. Excess body weight places stress on your hip joints and may worsen your symptoms of hip osteoarthritis. Low impact exercises, including stationary biking, water aerobics, swimming and walking all utilize the hip muscles and provide low risk activity without placing excess stress on your hips, joints or surrounding muscles.