Hip replacement physical therapy is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in St. Louis can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding St. Louis-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. From walking confidently again to returning to hobbies or daily routines, we’ll help you move forward, one step at a time.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in St. Louis recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely after surgery. It includes a combination of stretching, strengthening, balance training, and functional exercises that improve how you walk, move, and live day to day. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
Most St. Louis patients start physical therapy within a day or two of surgery and continue for several weeks, ultimately helping you return to climbing stairs, driving, gardening, or just walking without pain.
Skipping or delaying therapy can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, poor mobility, or a longer recovery overall. That’s why physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
Key Takeaway: Physical therapy after a hip replacement helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of complications. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in St. Louis
Most St. Louis patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient St. Louis physical therapy provider.
Our St. Louis physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. Our outpatient rehab program picks up where the hospital leaves off, guiding you through every stage of recovery with a structured, science-backed plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient Rehab
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. While helpful in the short term, this is not a replacement for hands-on therapy. As soon as you’re cleared to begin outpatient rehab, our team steps in to:
- Assess your walking pattern, posture, and mobility
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be.
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a St. Louis physical therapy team that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in St. Louis After a Hip Replacement?
Most people attend physical therapy for 6 to 12 weeks after a hip replacement, though the exact timeline depends on your age, overall health, activity goals, and how smoothly your surgery and early recovery go. Axes’ St. Louis physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Focus on pain management, gentle range of motion, and safe walking with assistive devices.
- Weeks 4–6: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility.
- Weeks 7–12: Build endurance, work on stairs or uneven surfaces, and return to daily activities or recreational goals.
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
Can Therapy Go Longer?
Yes. Some patients — especially those recovering from more complex procedures or with pre-existing mobility issues — benefit from additional sessions. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with St. Louis physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
St. Louis Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide St. Louis-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
Strengthening the Right Muscles
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. Gentle stretches and mobility drills help you regain full range of motion in your new joint so you can bend, reach, and move more naturally.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
As your hip heals, we’ll gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your leg — starting with a walker or crutches and working toward walking without assistance. You’ll always be guided at a pace that’s safe and supported.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop poor walking patterns. We’ll work with you on posture, foot placement, and stride so you can walk confidently, safely, and with better alignment.
Returning to Real-Life Activities
Whether it’s walking your dog, climbing stairs, driving, or playing golf, your plan will include specific exercises that help you meet your personal goals. Our St. Louis physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Successful recovery happens in stages — from strength and mobility to balance and function. With the right plan and expert guidance, you’ll go from cautious steps to confident movement in just a few months.
Which Treatments Help Most with Hip Surgery Rehab?
At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to help you heal safely and efficiently after a hip replacement. Each plan is personalized to your body, goals, and how far along you are in recovery.
Here are some of the services we may include in your rehab plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Whether you worked with us before surgery or are starting post-op, we’ll guide your recovery with customized exercises, mobility training, and progressive strengthening. - Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to reduce joint stiffness, improve flexibility, and ease tension in surrounding muscles — especially in your hip, back, and thighs. - Trigger Point Dry Needling
Used to relieve deep muscle tension and promote healing by targeting specific “knots” that can cause pain and limit movement. - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery. - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Helps build strength using lighter resistance, ideal for early recovery when heavy lifting isn’t safe or comfortable. - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
Wearable sensor technology gives real-time feedback on your movement patterns to fine-tune your rehab and prevent future issues. - Kinesio Taping®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement.
Key Takeaway: Axes offers a full spectrum of modern, science-backed treatments to support every stage of your hip replacement recovery, from pain relief and mobility to strength and long-term stability.
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis?
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. We’re proud to support St. Louis-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
With more than 20 convenient locations across Greater St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, we’re rooted in your community, and we treat you like family. - Experienced Physical Therapists
Our licensed PTs have an average of over 15 years of clinical experience, with specialized knowledge in orthopedic and post-surgical rehab. - Evidence-Based Treatment Plans
We stay up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure your recovery is effective, safe, and tailored to your progress. - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
We take time to understand your goals, whether that’s returning to work, walking without pain, or enjoying your favorite hobbies again. - Flexible Scheduling and Support
With early, late, and weekend appointments available, we make it easy to get the care you need without disrupting your routine.
Key Takeaway: Axes Physical Therapy combines local roots, experienced clinicians, and personalized care to help you recover better and faster, with a team that’s truly invested in your outcome.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis Today
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. At Axes, we’re here to guide you through every stage — from your first step out of bed to walking confidently, climbing stairs, and returning to the activities you love.
Our team will work with you, your physician, and your schedule to create a plan that fits your life and speeds your recovery.
Ready to take the next step?
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.