Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Breckenridge Hills, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Breckenridge Hills, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Breckenridge Hills, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
Here’s What You’ll Discover Below:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Breckenridge Hills, MO recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Breckenridge Hills, MO?
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. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Most Breckenridge Hills, MO 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.
If you delay or skip therapy, you risk slower healing, reduced mobility, and long-term muscle weakness. It’s one of the most important steps toward healing well and avoiding long-term complications.
Key Takeaway: The right therapy plan helps you recover strength and motion — and reduces your chances of post-op setbacks. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Breckenridge Hills, MO
Most Breckenridge Hills, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapy provider.
Our Breckenridge Hills, 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.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. As soon as you’re cleared to begin outpatient rehab, our team steps in to:
- Evaluate how you walk, stand, and move day to day
- 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
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Breckenridge Hills, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Breckenridge Hills, MO After a Hip Replacement?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. Our Breckenridge Hills, 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: Add strengthening and balance work while developing more independent movement
- Weeks 7–12: Build endurance, work on stairs or uneven surfaces, and return to daily activities or recreational goals
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.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. Conversely, some individuals complete rehab sooner when they hit their milestones early.
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. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Breckenridge Hills, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Breckenridge Hills, MO-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 — require focused work to regain strength and control. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. 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 compensatory movement patterns. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
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. Our Breckenridge Hills, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Step-by-step recovery leads to lasting results — starting with motion and ending with full functional return. With professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
Axes Physical Therapy provides a variety of proven rehab methods to support safe, effective recovery after hip surgery. Each plan is personalized to your body, goals, and how far along you are in recovery.
These are just a few of the services that might be included in your post-op therapy program:
- 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
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
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - 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®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Breckenridge Hills, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide Breckenridge Hills, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
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
Our therapy methods are grounded in proven research, ensuring your recovery is personalized, safe, and efficient - 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
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
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 Breckenridge Hills, MO with Axes Today
Whether you’re days away from surgery or weeks into healing, physical therapy is crucial for your progress. 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.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.