Post-surgical physical therapy for hip replacement in Soulard, 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 Soulard, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Soulard, 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 You’ll Learn on This Page:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- Why patients in Soulard, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Soulard, MO and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip surgery. It includes a combination of targeted exercises and movement training to restore your ability to walk, bend, and stay active. Physical therapists also teach you how to manage pain, reduce swelling, and avoid movements that could slow healing or damage your new joint.
Most Soulard, 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. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Soulard, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Soulard, 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 Soulard, MO physical therapy provider.
Patients in Soulard, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient Rehab
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. 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 delays in healing
- 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. Early outpatient therapy in Soulard, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Soulard, MO?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. Axes’ Soulard, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
What Your Rehab Timeline Might Look Like
- Weeks 1–3: Focus on pain management, gentle range of motion, and safe walking with assistive devices
- Weeks 4–6: Begin building strength, improving balance, and increasing movement independence
- Weeks 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Yes. Some patients — especially those recovering from more complex procedures or with pre-existing mobility issues — benefit from additional sessions. 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. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Soulard, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Soulard, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
From early movement to lasting mobility, we support Soulard, MO patients at every stage of their hip replacement recovery. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
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. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. 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
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. 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 imbalanced gait habits. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
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 Soulard, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
Key Takeaway: Hip replacement rehab moves in clear phases, each focused on rebuilding strength, coordination, and control. With professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
Best Therapy Techniques for Hip Replacement Recovery
Axes Physical Therapy provides a variety of proven rehab methods to support safe, effective recovery after hip surgery. 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
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)
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
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
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in Soulard, MO
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide Soulard, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 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
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.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Soulard, MO
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery, the right physical therapy can make all the difference. 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.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Ready to take the next step?
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
