Physical therapy after hip replacement in Maryville, IL 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 Maryville, IL can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Maryville, IL-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Maryville, IL
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Maryville, IL?
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. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
In most cases, Maryville, IL patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
Skipping or delaying therapy can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, poor mobility, or a longer recovery overall. That’s why consistent physical therapy is so important after hip surgery — it’s critical to long-term success.
Key Takeaway: The right therapy plan helps you recover strength and motion — and reduces your chances of post-op setbacks. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Maryville, IL
It’s common for Maryville, IL patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. 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 Maryville, IL.
Patients in Maryville, IL usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. 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
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. 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
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
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. Early outpatient therapy in Maryville, IL gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Maryville, IL?
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’ Maryville, IL physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- Weeks 4–6: Begin building strength, improving balance, and increasing movement independence
- 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. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
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. 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 Maryville, IL therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Maryville, IL Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Maryville, IL 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.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
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.
Improving the Way You Walk
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop imbalanced gait habits. 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. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our Maryville, IL team.
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
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
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
Dry needling can release deep tension points, helping reduce discomfort and improve flexibility - 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
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: 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 Maryville, IL?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide Maryville, IL-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
With more than 20 convenient locations across Greater St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, we’re rooted in your community, and we treat you like family - Experienced Physical Therapists
Our team includes seasoned therapists with 15+ years of experience treating joint replacements and orthopedic injuries - 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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - Flexible Scheduling and Support
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
Key Takeaway: At Axes, you’ll find expert care, flexible support, and a team that’s committed to helping you thrive after surgery.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Maryville, IL
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. 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.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.