Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Fairview Heights, IL is a critical part of your recovery journey, supporting your return to normal movement, reducing pain, and helping you enjoy your daily life again. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Fairview Heights, IL plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Fairview Heights, IL-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. 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:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- Why patients in Fairview Heights, IL choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Fairview Heights, IL?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip 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.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Fairview Heights, IL patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
Putting off therapy can result in joint stiffness, pain, and a more difficult road to recovery. It’s one of the most important steps toward healing well and avoiding long-term complications.
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 Fairview Heights, IL
Most Fairview Heights, IL patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Fairview Heights, IL.
Our Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
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. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Fairview Heights, IL team steps in to take your recovery to the next level:
- 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
- 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. Early outpatient therapy in Fairview Heights, IL gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL 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. Axes’ Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
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: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- 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. 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. 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: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Fairview Heights, IL
At Axes, we guide Fairview Heights, IL-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
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.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. We’ll guide you through this carefully to protect your healing hip and avoid setbacks.
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
If your goal is walking the dog or swinging a club, we’ll include exercises that help you do it safely. Our Fairview Heights, IL 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 the right plan and expert guidance, you’ll go from cautious steps to confident movement in just a few months.
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. 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
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
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)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - 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 Fairview Heights, IL?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Our team offers Fairview Heights, 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
Serving St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, our many locations make top-tier rehab accessible and community-centered - Experienced Physical Therapists
Every therapist at Axes brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience to support hip replacement recovery - 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: 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.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL with Axes 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.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Ready to take the next step?
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
