Physical therapy after hip replacement in Edwardsville, IL 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 Edwardsville, IL is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Edwardsville, IL-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with evidence-based strategies, empathetic care, and personalized recovery plans. From walking confidently again to returning to hobbies or daily routines, we’ll help you move forward, one step at a time.
Here’s What You’ll Discover Below:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- Why patients in Edwardsville, IL choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL 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.
In most cases, Edwardsville, 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.
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: Physical therapy after a hip replacement helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of complications. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Edwardsville, IL
It’s common for Edwardsville, IL 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 Edwardsville, IL physical therapy provider.
Our Edwardsville, IL 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. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. As soon as it’s safe to start, we guide your outpatient rehab with a personalized approach:
- 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 post-surgical issues
- 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 Edwardsville, IL gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Edwardsville, IL?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Edwardsville, IL is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Focus on pain management, gentle range of motion, and safe walking with assistive devices
- Weeks 4–6: Begin building strength, improving balance, and increasing movement independence
- 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. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
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.
Consistency is everything — missing appointments or stopping too early can delay recovery and lead to setbacks.
Key Takeaway: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Edwardsville, IL therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Edwardsville, IL Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Edwardsville, IL patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — often need help reactivating and rebuilding strength. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
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.
Training for Safer, Stronger Walking Patterns
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. We’ll work with you on posture, foot placement, and stride so you can walk confidently, safely, and with better alignment.
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. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our Edwardsville, IL team.
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?
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.
Here are some of the services we may include in your rehab plan:
- 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
Dry needling can release deep tension points, helping reduce discomfort and improve flexibility - 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
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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Edwardsville, IL?
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Our team offers Edwardsville, IL residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - 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.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL Today
Whether you’re days away from surgery or weeks into healing, physical therapy is crucial for your progress. 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.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
