Physical therapy after hip replacement in Foley, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Foley, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Foley, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with evidence-based strategies, empathetic care, and personalized recovery plans. Whether your goal is to walk with ease or get back to your favorite activities, we’re here to support every milestone.
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
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Foley, MO recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Foley, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely after surgery. It includes a combination of flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. 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 Foley, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
Skipping or delaying therapy can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, poor mobility, or a longer recovery overall. That’s why physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
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.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Foley, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Foley, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. You’ll probably begin walking short distances with assistance from hospital staff or a rehab specialist. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Foley, MO.
We typically begin working with Foley, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient 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 Foley, 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 as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
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 Foley, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Foley, MO?
Typically, patients continue physical therapy for about 6 to 12 weeks, but your specific plan depends on factors like your age, fitness level, and surgical outcome. Axes’ Foley, MO 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: 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 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. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
Yes. Some patients — especially those recovering from more complex procedures or with pre-existing mobility issues — benefit from additional sessions. 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: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Foley, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Foley, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Foley, MO-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 — often need help reactivating and rebuilding strength. 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. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. 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 compensatory movement patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
Whether it’s walking your dog, climbing stairs, driving, or playing golf, your plan will include specific exercises that help you meet your personal goals. Our Foley, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
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.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
Axes Physical Therapy provides a variety of proven rehab methods to support safe, effective recovery after hip surgery. 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
No matter when you begin — before or after surgery — we’ll support your recovery with a plan built around strength, mobility, and movement - 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
This technique targets tight muscle bands to reduce pain and restore movement more effectively - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM breaks down scar tissue and eases tension in stiff muscles, promoting better movement - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
Wearable sensor technology gives real-time feedback on your movement patterns to fine-tune your rehab and prevent future issues - 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 Foley, MO
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Axes is proud to provide Foley, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
Here’s why patients choose Axes:
- 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
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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - Flexible Scheduling and Support
With early, late, and weekend appointments available, we make it easy to get the care you need without disrupting your routine
Key Takeaway: At Axes, you’ll find expert care, flexible support, and a team that’s committed to helping you thrive after surgery.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Foley, MO
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help — from initial mobility to long-term strength and independence.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Let’s get started.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.