Hip replacement physical therapy in Florissant, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in Florissant, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Florissant, MO-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 to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Florissant, MO recover stronger
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Florissant, 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 flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Florissant, MO 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. 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. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Florissant, MO
It’s common for Florissant, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. You’ll probably begin walking short distances with assistance from hospital staff or a rehab specialist. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient Florissant, MO physical therapy provider.
Patients in Florissant, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. 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
Your medical team may send you home with a simple set of exercises before you begin outpatient rehab. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Florissant, MO team steps in to take your recovery to the next level:
- Assess your walking pattern, posture, and mobility
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Early outpatient therapy in Florissant, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Florissant, MO?
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’ Florissant, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
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: 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. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. 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 Florissant, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Florissant, MO
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Florissant, MO patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. 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
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. Gentle stretches and mobility drills help you regain full range of motion in your new joint so you can bend, reach, and move more naturally.
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. 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 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
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Our Florissant, 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 proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
Which Treatments Help Most with Hip Surgery Rehab?
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
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
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
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 Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Florissant, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Our team offers Florissant, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
What makes Axes different:
- 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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - Flexible Scheduling and Support
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
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 Florissant, 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.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Take the first step toward feeling better.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.