Hip replacement physical therapy in Glen Carbon, IL 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 Glen Carbon, IL can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Glen Carbon, IL-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. 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 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
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Glen Carbon, IL recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Glen Carbon, IL and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a step-by-step recovery program that guides you safely through healing after surgery. It includes a combination of stretching, strengthening, balance training, and functional exercises that improve how you walk, move, and live day to day. 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 Glen Carbon, IL patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
If you delay or skip therapy, you risk slower healing, reduced mobility, and long-term muscle weakness. It’s one of the most important steps toward healing well and avoiding long-term complications.
Key Takeaway: Post-surgical rehab is key to building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing problems after your hip replacement. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Glen Carbon, IL patients begin moving under hospital supervision. 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 Glen Carbon, IL physical therapy provider.
Patients in Glen Carbon, IL usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. While helpful in the short term, this is not a replacement for hands-on therapy. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Glen Carbon, 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
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Working with a trusted rehab team in Glen Carbon, IL soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL?
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. Our Glen Carbon, IL team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
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: 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
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. 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 Glen Carbon, IL therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Glen Carbon, IL, Explained
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Glen Carbon, IL patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
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.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
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
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop poor walking patterns. We’ll work with you on posture, foot placement, and stride so you can walk confidently, safely, and with better alignment.
Returning to Real-Life Activities
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our Glen Carbon, IL team.
Key Takeaway: Successful recovery happens in stages — from strength and mobility to balance and function. 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.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery 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
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)
IASTM breaks down scar tissue and eases tension in stiff muscles, promoting better movement - 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
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Glen Carbon, IL?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Axes is proud to provide Glen Carbon, IL-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
Our team includes seasoned therapists with 15+ years of experience treating joint replacements and orthopedic injuries - 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: 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 Glen Carbon, IL 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.
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.
