Hip replacement physical therapy in Maplewood, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in Maplewood, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Maplewood, 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 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 long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- Why patients in Maplewood, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Maplewood, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely after 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 Maplewood, 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. It’s one of the most important steps toward healing well and avoiding long-term complications.
Key Takeaway: Physical therapy after a hip replacement helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of complications. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Maplewood, MO
Most Maplewood, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. You’ll probably begin walking short distances with assistance from hospital staff or a rehab specialist. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Maplewood, MO.
Our Maplewood, 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. 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:
- Evaluate how you walk, stand, and move day to day
- 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 complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Maplewood, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Focus on pain management, gentle range of motion, and safe walking with assistive devices
- 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. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
Can Therapy Go Longer?
Absolutely. People with more difficult recoveries or long-standing mobility issues may need extra support. 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. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Maplewood, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Maplewood, MO, Explained
Axes Physical Therapy helps Maplewood, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
Strengthening the Right Muscles
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.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
It’s common to feel stiff after 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. 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.
Getting Back to What You Love
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Our Maplewood, 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 proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following a hip replacement. Your rehab is always tailored to your body, your stage of healing, and what you want to get back to doing.
Here are some of the services we may include in your rehab plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
We offer personalized strength and mobility training before and after surgery to promote steady, safe recovery - 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
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
Helps build strength using lighter resistance, ideal for early recovery when heavy lifting isn’t safe or comfortable - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
Wearable sensor technology gives real-time feedback on your movement patterns to fine-tune your rehab and prevent future issues - Kinesio Taping®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Maplewood, MO
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Axes is proud to provide Maplewood, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - Flexible Scheduling and Support
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
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 Maplewood, MO with Axes Today
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. 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.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Take the first step toward feeling better.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
