Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Midtown St. Louis, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Midtown St. Louis, MO-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 This Page Covers:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Midtown St. Louis, MO
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in Midtown St. Louis, 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 flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Midtown St. Louis, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
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: 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 Midtown St. Louis, MO
It’s common for Midtown St. Louis, MO 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. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO.
Patients in Midtown St. Louis, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. 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. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Midtown St. Louis, MO team steps in to take your recovery to the next level:
- Assess your walking pattern, posture, and mobility
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Getting moving in the hospital is important — but real gains come with outpatient rehab. Early outpatient therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO After a Hip Replacement?
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 Midtown St. Louis, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
General Physical Therapy Progression 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 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
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.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
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.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Midtown St. Louis, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Midtown St. Louis, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Midtown St. Louis, 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.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
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.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
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. 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
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 Midtown St. Louis, 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 professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
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. Each plan is personalized to your body, goals, and how far along you are in recovery.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
We offer personalized strength and mobility training before and after surgery to promote steady, safe recovery - 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)
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
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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Midtown St. Louis, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. We’re proud to support Midtown St. Louis, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
Here’s why patients choose Axes:
- 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
We follow the most current clinical best practices to keep your rehab both effective and individualized - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
We take time to understand your goals, whether that’s returning to work, walking without pain, or enjoying your favorite hobbies again - 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 Midtown St. Louis, MO with Axes Today
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. 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.
