Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Kirkwood, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Kirkwood, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Kirkwood, MO-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 This Page Covers:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- Why patients in Kirkwood, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO 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. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Kirkwood, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Kirkwood, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Kirkwood, MO.
Our Kirkwood, MO physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
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. As soon as you’re cleared to begin outpatient rehab, our team steps in to:
- Evaluate how you walk, stand, and move day to day
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Early outpatient therapy in Kirkwood, MO 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 Kirkwood, MO?
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. Axes’ Kirkwood, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
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: 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
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.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Yes, especially for patients with complicated surgeries or existing mobility challenges, more therapy may be necessary. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
Consistency is everything — missing appointments or stopping too early can delay recovery and lead to setbacks.
Key Takeaway: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Kirkwood, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Kirkwood, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Kirkwood, 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.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
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.
Gait and Balance Training
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.
Getting Back to What You Love
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 Kirkwood, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Step-by-step recovery leads to lasting results — starting with motion and ending with full functional return. 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.
Here are some of the services we may include in your rehab 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
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
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
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 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
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. We’re proud to support Kirkwood, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
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
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
With early, late, and weekend appointments available, we make it easy to get the care you need without disrupting your routine
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 Kirkwood, MO with Axes Today
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
Ready to take the next step?
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
