Hip replacement physical therapy in Ladue, 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 Ladue, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Ladue, 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:
- 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
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Ladue, MO recover stronger
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Ladue, MO?
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.
In most cases, Ladue, MO patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
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: Post-surgical rehab is key to building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing problems after your hip replacement. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Ladue, MO
Most Ladue, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. 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 Ladue, MO.
We typically begin working with Ladue, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient 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 Ladue, 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
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Working with a trusted rehab team in Ladue, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Ladue, 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. Our Ladue, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
General Physical Therapy Progression 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 7–12: 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. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
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 Ladue, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Ladue, MO, Explained
Axes Physical Therapy helps Ladue, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — require focused work to regain strength and control. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
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.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
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. 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 imbalanced gait habits. 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 Ladue, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
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?
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
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
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)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - 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 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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Ladue, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. We’re proud to support Ladue, 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
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
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
Key Takeaway: At Axes, you’ll find expert care, flexible support, and a team that’s committed to helping you thrive after surgery.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Ladue, MO Today
Whether you’re days away from surgery or weeks into healing, physical therapy is crucial for your progress. 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.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
