Physical therapy after hip replacement in Collinsville, IL is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Collinsville, IL plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Collinsville, IL-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 long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Collinsville, IL recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Collinsville, IL?
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. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
In most cases, Collinsville, IL patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
Putting off therapy can result in joint stiffness, pain, and a more difficult road to recovery. That’s why physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
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 Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Collinsville, IL
It’s common for Collinsville, IL 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 Collinsville, IL.
Patients in Collinsville, IL usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
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
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Collinsville, IL that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Collinsville, IL?
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. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Collinsville, IL is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- Weeks 4–6: Add strengthening and balance work while developing more independent movement
- Weeks 7 to 12: Focus on endurance and functional activities like climbing stairs or resuming hobbies
The typical plan starts with multiple sessions weekly, gradually scaling back as progress is made. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Yes, especially for patients with complicated surgeries or existing mobility challenges, more therapy may be necessary. 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: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Collinsville, IL therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Collinsville, IL Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Collinsville, IL-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
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.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
Improving the Way You Walk
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
Getting Back to What You Love
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 Collinsville, IL 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.
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.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
No matter when you begin — before or after surgery — we’ll support your recovery with a plan built around strength, mobility, and movement - 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)
IASTM breaks down scar tissue and eases tension in stiff muscles, promoting better movement - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
This system uses motion sensors to analyze walking, balance, and body mechanics so we can tailor your rehab precisely - Kinesio Taping®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Collinsville, IL
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Our team offers Collinsville, IL residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
What makes Axes different:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
We have 20+ locations in the area, making it easy to find trusted care close to home — delivered with a personal touch - 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 follow the most current clinical best practices to keep your rehab both effective and individualized - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
We listen to your goals and design care around helping you achieve them, whether personal or practical - Flexible Scheduling and Support
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
Key Takeaway: At Axes, you’ll find expert care, flexible support, and a team that’s committed to helping you thrive after surgery.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Collinsville, IL with Axes Today
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. Our team will walk with you through each stage — from those first assisted steps to fully regaining your daily routine.
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.
