Hip replacement physical therapy in Barretts, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, supporting your return to normal movement, reducing pain, and helping you enjoy your daily life again. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Barretts, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Barretts, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. Whether your goal is to walk with ease or get back to your favorite activities, we’re here to support every milestone.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Barretts, MO
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Barretts, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a step-by-step recovery program that guides you safely through healing 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.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Barretts, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
If you delay or skip therapy, you risk slower healing, reduced mobility, and long-term muscle weakness. That’s why consistent physical therapy is so important after hip surgery — it’s critical to long-term success.
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 Barretts, MO
It’s common for Barretts, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Barretts, MO.
We typically begin working with Barretts, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. As soon as you’re cleared to begin outpatient rehab, our team steps in to:
- Observe your gait, posture, and joint movement for safe progression
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
Key Takeaway: Getting moving in the hospital is important — but real gains come with outpatient rehab. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Barretts, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Barretts, MO?
Typically, patients continue physical therapy for about 6 to 12 weeks, but your specific plan depends on factors like your age, fitness level, and surgical outcome. Our Barretts, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1 to 3: Manage pain, regain basic movement, and use support tools like walkers safely
- Weeks 4–6: Begin building strength, improving balance, and increasing movement independence
- Weeks 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
The typical plan starts with multiple sessions weekly, gradually scaling back as progress is made. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Barretts, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Barretts, MO, Explained
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Barretts, MO patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. 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 — often need help reactivating and rebuilding strength. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
Training for Safer, Stronger Walking Patterns
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop imbalanced gait habits. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
Getting Back to What You Love
If your goal is walking the dog or swinging a club, we’ll include exercises that help you do it safely. Our Barretts, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
Key Takeaway: Hip replacement rehab moves in clear phases, each focused on rebuilding strength, coordination, and control. With professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
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. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
We offer personalized strength and mobility training before and after surgery to promote steady, safe recovery - Manual Therapy
This hands-on method helps improve range of motion and reduce discomfort in key areas like your hips, back, and thighs - Trigger Point Dry Needling
This technique targets tight muscle bands to reduce pain and restore movement more effectively - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - 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
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Barretts, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. We’re proud to support Barretts, MO-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 team includes seasoned therapists with 15+ years of experience treating joint replacements and orthopedic injuries - Evidence-Based Treatment Plans
We follow the most current clinical best practices to keep your rehab both effective and individualized - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - 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: You can count on Axes for individualized, expert-led therapy delivered by people who care deeply about your recovery.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Barretts, MO
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. 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
Let’s get started.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
