Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Mehlville, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Mehlville, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Mehlville, 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 This Page Covers:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- Why patients in Mehlville, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Mehlville, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely after 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 Mehlville, 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.
Skipping or delaying therapy can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, poor mobility, or a longer recovery overall. That’s why physical therapy is considered essential, not optional, for a successful outcome after hip replacement.
Key Takeaway: The right therapy plan helps you recover strength and motion — and reduces your chances of post-op setbacks. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Mehlville, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Mehlville, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. You’ll probably begin walking short distances with assistance from hospital staff or a rehab specialist. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient Mehlville, MO physical therapy provider.
We typically begin working with Mehlville, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. Our outpatient rehab program picks up where the hospital leaves off, guiding you through every stage of recovery with a structured, science-backed plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient Rehab
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. As soon as it’s safe to start, we guide your outpatient rehab with a personalized approach:
- Observe your gait, posture, and joint movement for safe progression
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling to ease tension and promote healing
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
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. Working with a trusted rehab team in Mehlville, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Mehlville, 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. Our Mehlville, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
Typical PT Schedule 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
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
Can Therapy Go Longer?
Yes. Some patients — especially those recovering from more complex procedures or with pre-existing mobility issues — benefit from additional sessions. 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: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Mehlville, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Mehlville, MO, Explained
Axes Physical Therapy helps Mehlville, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
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. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
We start with walkers or crutches, then steadily increase your weight-bearing as your hip strengthens. 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 imbalanced gait habits. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
Rehab That Supports Your Everyday Goals
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 Mehlville, 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 proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
Which Treatments Help Most with Hip Surgery Rehab?
We use science-backed techniques at Axes Physical Therapy to promote safe, efficient healing following a hip replacement. Each plan is personalized to your body, goals, and how far along you are in recovery.
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
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)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - 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®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
Key Takeaway: Axes delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Mehlville, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. We’re proud to support Mehlville, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
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
Every therapist at Axes brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience to support hip replacement recovery - 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: 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.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Mehlville, MO 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
Let’s get started.
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
