Hip replacement physical therapy in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Des Peres, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. 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:
- 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
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Des Peres, MO recover stronger
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Des Peres, 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. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Des Peres, 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 physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
Key Takeaway: Post-surgical rehab is key to building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing problems after your hip replacement. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Des Peres, MO
It’s common for Des Peres, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. 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 Des Peres, MO physical therapy provider.
Our Des Peres, MO physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient Rehab
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:
- Assess your walking pattern, posture, and mobility
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling to ease tension and promote healing
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
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 Des Peres, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Des Peres, MO 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. Our Des Peres, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
What Your Rehab Timeline Might Look Like
- 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
Most patients start with two to three visits per week, then reduce frequency as they regain strength. 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. 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. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Des Peres, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Des Peres, MO, Explained
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Des Peres, MO patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
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.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
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 imbalanced gait habits. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
If your goal is walking the dog or swinging a club, we’ll include exercises that help you do it safely. Our Des Peres, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
Key Takeaway: Step-by-step recovery leads to lasting results — starting with motion and ending with full functional return. With proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following 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
We offer personalized strength and mobility training before and after surgery to promote steady, safe recovery - 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)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - 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: 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 Des Peres, MO
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Our team offers Des Peres, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
Serving St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, our many locations make top-tier rehab accessible and community-centered - 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 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: 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 Des Peres, MO 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.
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.
