Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Bismarck, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- Why patients in Bismarck, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO 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 targeted exercises and movement training to restore your ability to walk, bend, and stay active. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Bismarck, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
Skipping or delaying therapy can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, poor mobility, or a longer recovery overall. That’s why consistent physical therapy is so important after hip surgery — it’s critical to long-term success.
Key Takeaway: The right therapy plan helps you recover strength and motion — and reduces your chances of post-op setbacks. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Bismarck, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Bismarck, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. 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 Bismarck, MO.
Our Bismarck, MO 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 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 as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Working with a trusted rehab team in Bismarck, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- 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?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
Skipping therapy or wrapping up prematurely can result in lingering stiffness, strength loss, and slower progress.
Key Takeaway: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Bismarck, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Bismarck, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Bismarck, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
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.
Training for Safer, Stronger Walking Patterns
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop poor walking patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our Bismarck, MO team.
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?
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following a hip replacement. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
These are just a few of the services that might be included in your post-op therapy program:
- 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
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)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - 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 delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Bismarck, MO?
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. We’re proud to support Bismarck, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
What makes Axes different:
- 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
Every therapist at Axes brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience to support hip replacement recovery - 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
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
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
Key Takeaway: You can count on Axes for individualized, expert-led therapy delivered by people who care deeply about your recovery.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO with Axes Today
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help — from initial mobility to long-term strength and independence.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Let’s get started.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
