Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Saint Paul, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. No matter where you are in the process — just out of surgery or preparing in advance — physical therapy in Saint Paul, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Saint Paul, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. Whether your goal is to walk with ease or get back to your favorite activities, we’re here to support every milestone.
What This Page Covers:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- How many weeks of rehab to expect and what’s included
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Saint Paul, MO
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Saint Paul, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip 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 Saint Paul, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
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. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Saint Paul, MO
It’s common for Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO.
Our Saint Paul, MO physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. 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
Your medical team may send you home with a simple set of exercises before you begin outpatient rehab. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. 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 as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent post-surgical issues
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
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. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Saint Paul, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
What Your Rehab Timeline Might Look Like
- Weeks 1–3: Start with pain control, mobility exercises, and walking using walkers or crutches
- Weeks 4–6: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- Weeks 7–12: Build endurance, work on stairs or uneven surfaces, and return to daily activities or recreational goals
The typical plan starts with multiple sessions weekly, gradually scaling back as progress is made. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
Is It Normal for Hip Therapy to Take More Time?
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.
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 Saint Paul, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Saint Paul, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Saint Paul, MO 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.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. 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.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
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.
Improving the Way You Walk
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
If your goal is walking the dog or swinging a club, we’ll include exercises that help you do it safely. Our Saint Paul, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
Key Takeaway: Successful recovery happens in stages — from strength and mobility to balance and function. With proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
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
Used to relieve deep muscle tension and promote healing by targeting specific “knots” that can cause pain and limit movement - 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®
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 Saint Paul, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. We’re proud to support Saint Paul, 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 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
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 Saint Paul, MO 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.
Our team will work with you, your physician, and your schedule to create a plan that fits your life and speeds your recovery
Let’s get started.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
