Hi BBM,
I’m a 44‑year‑old recreational lifter, been barbell training for about a decade. About 1.5 years ago, I developed a very limited abduction range in my left hip, difficulty getting on/off my bike, overactive hip flexors, and SI pain. PT didn’t help — the pain actually worsened and now runs down the front of my leg. I kept lifting but had to significantly reduce load.
An X‑ray and orthopedic consult showed advanced OA with bone spurs. The surgeon advised me that I could keep lifting and consider a total hip replacement when the pain becomes intolerable.
Since then, I’ve had some painful flare‑ups that temporarily make walking difficult. I wake up achy and feel noticeably limited in agility, so I think I may be approaching the point where a hip replacement makes sense.
My plan is to run the hip rehab template and see how I respond. If symptoms improve, I’ll return to heavier lifting; if not, I’ll treat it as prehab for a THR.
I’m aware of the nocebo effect and don’t want the diagnosis itself to limit me. Do you have any advice on how to navigate the decision about whether and when to pursue surgery?