Physical therapy after hip replacement in Marlborough, 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. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Marlborough, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Marlborough, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented 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:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Marlborough, MO
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Marlborough, 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 flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
Most Marlborough, 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 physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
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 Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Marlborough, MO
Most Marlborough, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient Marlborough, MO physical therapy provider.
Patients in Marlborough, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. 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:
- 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
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
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 Marlborough, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Marlborough, 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’ Marlborough, 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 to 12: Focus on endurance and functional activities like climbing stairs or resuming hobbies
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.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
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: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Marlborough, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Marlborough, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Marlborough, 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 — often need help reactivating and rebuilding strength. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
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.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. You’ll always be guided at a pace that’s safe and supported.
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.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Our Marlborough, 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 proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
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
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
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - 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®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
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 Marlborough, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. We’re proud to support Marlborough, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
Serving St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, our many locations make top-tier rehab accessible and community-centered - Experienced Physical Therapists
Our team includes seasoned therapists with 15+ years of experience treating joint replacements and orthopedic injuries - Evidence-Based Treatment Plans
We stay up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure your recovery is effective, safe, and tailored to your progress - 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
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 Marlborough, MO with Axes Today
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.
Our team will work with you, your physician, and your schedule to create a plan that fits your life and speeds your recovery
Take the first step toward feeling better.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
