Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Hillsboro, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, supporting your return to normal movement, reducing pain, and helping you enjoy your daily life again. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Hillsboro, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Hillsboro, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented 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:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- Why patients in Hillsboro, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Hillsboro, 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 stretching, strengthening, balance training, and functional exercises that improve how you walk, move, and live day to day. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
Most Hillsboro, MO patients start physical therapy within a day or two of surgery and continue for several weeks, ultimately helping you return to climbing stairs, driving, gardening, or just walking without pain.
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.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Hillsboro, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Hillsboro, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Hillsboro, MO.
Our Hillsboro, 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.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting 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 Hillsboro, MO team steps in to take your recovery to the next level:
- Observe your gait, posture, and joint movement for safe progression
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Early outpatient therapy in Hillsboro, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Hillsboro, MO After a Hip Replacement?
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 Hillsboro, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
What Your Rehab Timeline Might Look Like
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- 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
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.
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.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Hillsboro, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Hillsboro, MO
At Axes, we guide Hillsboro, 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 — require focused work to regain strength and control. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. 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.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
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 poor walking 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 Hillsboro, 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 professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
Which Treatments Help Most with Hip Surgery Rehab?
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following a hip replacement. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Whether you worked with us before surgery or are starting post-op, we’ll guide your recovery with customized exercises, mobility training, and progressive strengthening - Manual Therapy
Therapists use manual techniques to relieve stiffness and tightness, particularly in the hips and nearby muscle groups - 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
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
Key Takeaway: Axes delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Hillsboro, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Our team offers Hillsboro, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s why patients choose Axes:
- 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 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
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
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
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 Hillsboro, MO
Whether you’re days away from surgery or weeks into healing, physical therapy is crucial for your progress. Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help — from initial mobility to long-term strength and independence.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Ready to take the next step?
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
