Hip replacement physical therapy in Gray Summit, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Gray Summit, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Gray Summit, MO-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 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
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Gray Summit, MO
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Gray Summit, MO and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip 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 Gray Summit, 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. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Gray Summit, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Gray Summit, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. You’ll probably begin walking short distances with assistance from hospital staff or a rehab specialist. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Gray Summit, MO.
Our Gray Summit, MO 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.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Gray Summit, 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 delays in healing
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
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. Early outpatient therapy in Gray Summit, 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 Gray Summit, MO?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Gray Summit, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
Typical PT Schedule 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
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.
Can Therapy Go Longer?
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. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Gray Summit, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Gray Summit, MO, Explained
At Axes, we guide Gray Summit, MO-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
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
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. 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.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
Improving the Way You Walk
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
Returning to Real-Life Activities
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 Gray Summit, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Successful recovery happens in stages — from strength and mobility to balance and function. 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. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
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
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
This technique targets tight muscle bands to reduce pain and restore movement more effectively - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - 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
This system uses motion sensors to analyze walking, balance, and body mechanics so we can tailor your rehab precisely - Kinesio Taping®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
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 Gray Summit, MO
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Our team offers Gray Summit, 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
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 take time to understand your goals, whether that’s returning to work, walking without pain, or enjoying your favorite hobbies again - 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: You can count on Axes for individualized, expert-led therapy delivered by people who care deeply about your recovery.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Gray Summit, MO
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. 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
Let’s get started.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
