Hip replacement physical therapy in Granite City, 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 Granite City, IL is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Granite City, 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.
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
- 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 Granite City, IL recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Granite City, IL?
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 Granite City, IL 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 consistent physical therapy is so important after hip surgery — it’s critical to long-term success.
Key Takeaway: The right therapy plan helps you recover strength and motion — and reduces your chances of post-op setbacks. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Granite City, IL
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Granite City, 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 Granite City, IL physical therapy provider.
Our Granite City, IL physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
Your medical team may send you home with a simple set of exercises before you begin outpatient rehab. While helpful in the short term, this is not a replacement for hands-on therapy. As soon as you’re cleared to begin outpatient rehab, our team steps in to:
- Observe your gait, posture, and joint movement for safe progression
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling to ease tension and promote healing
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- 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: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Early outpatient therapy in Granite City, IL gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Granite City, IL?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. Our Granite City, IL team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1 to 3: Manage pain, regain basic movement, and use support tools like walkers safely
- Weeks 4–6: Add strengthening and balance work while developing more independent movement
- Weeks 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
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. Conversely, some individuals complete rehab sooner when they hit their milestones early.
Skipping therapy or wrapping up prematurely can result in lingering stiffness, strength loss, and slower progress.
Key Takeaway: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Granite City, IL therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Granite City, IL
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Granite City, 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 — require focused work to regain strength and control. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
As your hip heals, we’ll gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your leg — starting with a walker or crutches and working toward walking without assistance. You’ll always be guided at a pace that’s safe and supported.
Improving the Way You Walk
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop imbalanced gait habits. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
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 Granite City, IL team.
Key Takeaway: Hip replacement rehab moves in clear phases, each focused on rebuilding strength, coordination, and control. With professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
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
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
Hands-on techniques to reduce joint stiffness, improve flexibility, and ease tension in surrounding muscles — especially in your hip, 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)
IASTM breaks down scar tissue and eases tension in stiff muscles, promoting better movement - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Granite City, IL
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Axes is proud to provide Granite City, IL-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
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
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
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.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Granite City, IL
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
Ready to take the next step?
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
