Hip replacement physical therapy in Desoto, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Desoto, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Desoto, 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.
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
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Desoto, MO recover stronger
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Desoto, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip surgery. It includes a combination of flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
In most cases, Desoto, MO patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
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: 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 Desoto, MO
Most Desoto, 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. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Desoto, MO.
We typically begin working with Desoto, 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.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
Your medical team may send you home with a simple set of exercises before you begin outpatient rehab. 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:
- Observe your gait, posture, and joint movement for safe progression
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling to ease tension and promote healing
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Getting moving in the hospital is important — but real gains come with outpatient rehab. Early outpatient therapy in Desoto, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Desoto, 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. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Desoto, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- Weeks 4–6: Begin building strength, improving balance, and increasing movement independence
- Weeks 7 to 12: Focus on endurance and functional activities like climbing stairs or resuming hobbies
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.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
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: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Desoto, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Desoto, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Desoto, 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 — often need help reactivating and rebuilding strength. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
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
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. We’ll guide you through this carefully to protect your healing hip and avoid setbacks.
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.
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 Desoto, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
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.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following a hip replacement. Your rehab is always tailored to your body, your stage of healing, and what you want to get back to doing.
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
Therapists use manual techniques to relieve stiffness and tightness, particularly in the hips and nearby muscle groups - 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)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - 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
This system uses motion sensors to analyze walking, balance, and body mechanics so we can tailor your rehab precisely - 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
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Desoto, MO
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Our team offers Desoto, 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
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
We listen to your goals and design care around helping you achieve them, whether personal or practical - Flexible Scheduling and Support
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
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 Desoto, 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.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Let’s get started.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
