Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Lafayette Square, 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. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in Lafayette Square, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Lafayette Square, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. 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:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- 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 Lafayette Square, MO
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Lafayette Square, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip surgery. It includes a combination of targeted exercises and movement training to restore your ability to walk, bend, and stay active. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
Most Lafayette Square, 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.
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: Physical therapy after a hip replacement helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of complications. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Lafayette Square, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Lafayette Square, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Lafayette Square, MO.
We typically begin working with Lafayette Square, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. 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:
- 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 delays in healing
- 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. Early outpatient therapy in Lafayette Square, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Lafayette Square, 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. Axes’ Lafayette Square, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1 to 3: Manage pain, regain basic movement, and use support tools like walkers safely
- Weeks 4–6: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- Weeks 7–12: Build endurance, work on stairs or uneven surfaces, and return to daily activities or recreational goals
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.
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.
Skipping therapy or wrapping up prematurely can result in lingering stiffness, strength loss, and slower progress.
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 Lafayette Square, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Lafayette Square, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Lafayette Square, MO-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
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.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
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. We’ll guide you through this carefully to protect your healing hip and avoid setbacks.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
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 Lafayette Square, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
Key Takeaway: Hip replacement rehab moves in clear phases, each focused on rebuilding strength, coordination, and control. With the right plan and expert guidance, you’ll go from cautious steps to confident movement in just a few months.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
Axes Physical Therapy provides a variety of proven rehab methods to support safe, effective recovery after hip surgery. Your rehab is always tailored to your body, your stage of healing, and what you want to get back to doing.
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
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
Dry needling can release deep tension points, helping reduce discomfort and improve flexibility - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - 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®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Lafayette Square, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. We’re proud to support Lafayette Square, 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 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
Our therapy methods are grounded in proven research, ensuring your recovery is personalized, safe, and efficient - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
We listen to your goals and design care around helping you achieve them, whether personal or practical - Flexible Scheduling and Support
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
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 Lafayette Square, MO
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. 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?
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
