Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Herculaneum, 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 Herculaneum, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Herculaneum, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- Why patients in Herculaneum, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Herculaneum, 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. 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 Herculaneum, 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 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.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Herculaneum, MO
It’s common for Herculaneum, 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. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Herculaneum, MO.
Patients in Herculaneum, 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
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. As soon as it’s safe to start, we guide your outpatient rehab with a personalized approach:
- Assess your walking pattern, posture, and mobility
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
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 Herculaneum, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, MO After a Hip Replacement?
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. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Herculaneum, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- Weeks 4–6: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- Weeks 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
Most patients start with two to three visits per week, then reduce frequency as they regain strength. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Yes, especially for patients with complicated surgeries or existing mobility challenges, more therapy may be necessary. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
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 Herculaneum, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Herculaneum, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Herculaneum, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. 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 — need to be retrained. 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. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
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. 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’ll work with you on posture, foot placement, and stride so you can walk confidently, safely, and with better alignment.
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 Herculaneum, 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?
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
Therapists use manual techniques to relieve stiffness and tightness, particularly in the hips and nearby muscle groups - 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
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®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
Key Takeaway: Axes delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Herculaneum, MO
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide Herculaneum, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
With more than 20 convenient locations across Greater St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, we’re rooted in your community, and we treat you like family - 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: 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 Herculaneum, MO
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. 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
Let’s get started.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
