Physical therapy after hip replacement in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Shrewsbury, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. 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:
- The reasons physical therapy matters 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
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Shrewsbury, MO recover stronger
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Shrewsbury, MO and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a step-by-step recovery program that guides you safely through healing 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. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Most Shrewsbury, 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.
Putting off therapy can result in joint stiffness, pain, and a more difficult road to recovery. 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. Patients who skip PT often struggle with stiffness, pain, or poor mobility long after surgery.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Shrewsbury, MO
It’s common for Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO.
We typically begin working with Shrewsbury, 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.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
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. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Shrewsbury, 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 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: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Shrewsbury, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Shrewsbury, MO?
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. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Shrewsbury, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
Typical PT Schedule After Hip Surgery
- 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 to 12: Focus on endurance and functional activities like climbing stairs or resuming hobbies
The typical plan starts with multiple sessions weekly, gradually scaling back as progress is made. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
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. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
Consistency is everything — missing appointments or stopping too early can delay recovery and lead to setbacks.
Key Takeaway: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with Shrewsbury, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in Shrewsbury, MO, Explained
Axes Physical Therapy helps Shrewsbury, 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.
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. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
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. We’ll guide you through this carefully to protect your healing hip and avoid setbacks.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
Returning to Real-Life Activities
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Our Shrewsbury, 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 the right plan and expert guidance, you’ll go from cautious steps to confident movement in just a few months.
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.
These are just a few of the services that might be included in your post-op therapy program:
- 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
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)
IASTM breaks down scar tissue and eases tension in stiff muscles, promoting better movement - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
DorsaVi helps identify movement imbalances with data-driven feedback to optimize your recovery - Kinesio Taping®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Shrewsbury, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Our team offers Shrewsbury, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
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 licensed PTs have an average of over 15 years of clinical experience, with specialized knowledge in orthopedic and post-surgical rehab - 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
We listen to your goals and design care around helping you achieve them, whether personal or practical - 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 Shrewsbury, MO with Axes 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.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
