Hip replacement physical therapy in Preston Woods, 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 Preston Woods, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Preston Woods, 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:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Preston Woods, MO recover stronger
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Preston Woods, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip 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, Preston Woods, MO patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
If you delay or skip therapy, you risk slower healing, reduced mobility, and long-term muscle weakness. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Preston Woods, MO
Most Preston Woods, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. 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 Preston Woods, MO.
We typically begin working with Preston Woods, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. 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 to ease tension and promote healing
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Working with a trusted rehab team in Preston Woods, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in Preston Woods, 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 Preston Woods, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
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: 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. 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.
Skipping therapy or wrapping up prematurely can result in lingering stiffness, strength loss, and slower progress.
Key Takeaway: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Preston Woods, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Preston Woods, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Preston Woods, 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.
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. 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.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
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 Preston Woods, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
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.
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. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery 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)
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
Wearable sensor technology gives real-time feedback on your movement patterns to fine-tune your rehab and prevent future issues - Kinesio Taping®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
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 Preston Woods, MO?
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. We’re proud to support Preston Woods, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
What makes Axes different:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
We have 20+ locations in the area, making it easy to find trusted care close to home — delivered with a personal touch - Experienced Physical Therapists
Every therapist at Axes brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience to support hip replacement recovery - 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
Your therapist will focus on what matters most to you — from pain-free walking to work, hobbies, and independence - Flexible Scheduling and Support
We offer appointment times that work with your life — including evenings and weekends
Key Takeaway: At Axes, you’ll find expert care, flexible support, and a team that’s committed to helping you thrive after surgery.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Preston Woods, 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.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Ready to take the next step?
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
