Background
Maggie first came to the clinic at the age of 79 with ongoing low‑back and hip pain that was affecting her walking.
She had been assessed by a private GP and advised that a hip replacement was likely. At that point, Maggie was still active and independent, but increasingly cautious about walking longer distances.
She was not opposed to surgery, but wanted to understand whether there were sensible options to improve function and confidence before committing to an operation.
The Goals
The decision was not framed around avoiding surgery at all costs, but around making a well‑informed choice.
Maggie’s priority was to remain independent, keep walking daily, and reduce the risk of deconditioning while monitoring her symptoms carefully over time.
Together, we agreed to take a conservative approach — focusing on function, strength, and confidence in movement, with regular reassessment and surgery remaining an option if progress stalled.
The Plan
Care focused on a clear initial assessment, followed by a simple, progressive plan.
This included supporting hip and trunk strength, maintaining walking tolerance, and addressing areas where Maggie felt uncertain or guarded in her movement.
Progress was considered over months and years rather than weeks. And it has been reviewed periodically, with adjustments made based on symptoms, confidence, and day‑to‑day function rather than pain alone.
Where She Is Now
Five years on, Maggie still has her original hip.
She walks more now than she did at 79 and reports greater confidence in everyday movement. Walking is part of her routine again rather than an activity she avoids or has to limit due to pain.
What Maggie says
“I’m more confident in what I can do day to day. I haven’t felt rushed into decisions, and that’s mattered to me. I’m so relieved I didn’t need the surgery.”
Maggie’s story does not suggest that surgery is always unnecessary or inappropriate.
It illustrates what can happen when you make decisions carefully, review progress over time, and focus on maintaining function and independence rather than reacting immediately to a diagnosis.