Physical therapy after hip replacement in Maryland Heights, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in Maryland Heights, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Maryland Heights, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
Here’s What You’ll Discover Below:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Maryland Heights, MO
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Maryland Heights, 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 stretching, strengthening, balance training, and functional exercises that improve how you walk, move, and live day to day. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Most Maryland Heights, 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. It’s one of the most important steps toward healing well and avoiding long-term complications.
Key Takeaway: Post-surgical rehab is key to building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing problems after your hip replacement. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Maryland Heights, MO
It’s common for Maryland Heights, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. The next phase — and the one that matters most — begins with outpatient PT in Maryland Heights, MO.
We typically begin working with Maryland Heights, 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.
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. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Maryland Heights, MO team steps in to take your recovery to the next level:
- 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
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
Key Takeaway: Getting moving in the hospital is important — but real gains come with outpatient rehab. Working with a trusted rehab team in Maryland Heights, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Maryland Heights, MO?
Typically, patients continue physical therapy for about 6 to 12 weeks, but your specific plan depends on factors like your age, fitness level, and surgical outcome. Axes’ Maryland Heights, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
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: Add strengthening and balance work while developing more independent movement
- Weeks 7 to 12: Focus on endurance and functional activities like climbing stairs or resuming hobbies
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.
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. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
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 Maryland Heights, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Maryland Heights, MO, Explained
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Maryland Heights, MO patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — require focused work to regain strength and control. Our therapists lead you through strengthening routines that support stability, posture, and safe mobility.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
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. 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 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 Maryland Heights, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
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?
At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to help you heal safely and efficiently after 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
Therapists use manual techniques to relieve stiffness and tightness, particularly in the hips and nearby muscle groups - 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
This system uses motion sensors to analyze walking, balance, and body mechanics so we can tailor your rehab precisely - Kinesio Taping®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
Key Takeaway: Axes delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Maryland Heights, MO
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Our team offers Maryland Heights, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s why patients choose Axes:
- 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 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
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
Key Takeaway: You can count on Axes for individualized, expert-led therapy delivered by people who care deeply about your recovery.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, 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.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Let’s get started.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
