The Impact of Therapeutic Exercise on Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition, mainly in the hip and knee joints, and is associated with pain, loss of functionality and a sedentary lifestyle. In this context, therapeutic exercise has emerged as an effective approach to relieving symptoms, improving physical function and promoting patient well-being. Objective: To evaluate the impact of therapeutic exercise in the management of hip and knee OA, with a view to improving physical function and quality of life. Methodology: This is a narrative literature review, carried out in February 2025, by consulting the VHL and PubMed databases, covering six relevant articles published between 2020 and 2025. Results: Therapeutic exercise, especially those focused on muscle strengthening and improving joint mobility, provides significant benefits, such as pain reduction, increased functional capacity and improved quality of life in patients with hip and knee OA. Discussion: Therapeutic exercise improves quality of life, functional capacity and reduces pain in patients with OA. Proper dosage of exercise is essential to optimize results and prevent injury. The combination of exercise and education has shown limited results, and more research is needed into its effectiveness. Final considerations: Therefore, it can be concluded that therapeutic exercise is fundamental in the management of hip and knee OA, promoting pain relief, improvement in functional capacity and a better quality of life. The exercise prescription must be individualized and carefully structured, taking into account the appropriate intensity and technique to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and patient compliance.