Physical therapy after hip replacement in St. Genevieve, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, restoring motion, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you care about. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in St. Genevieve, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding St. Genevieve, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with evidence-based strategies, empathetic care, and personalized recovery plans. 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:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What the different phases of physical therapy look like after surgery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- Why patients in St. Genevieve, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Genevieve, 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 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.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping St. Genevieve, 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. 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.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in St. Genevieve, MO
Most St. Genevieve, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in St. Genevieve, MO.
We typically begin working with St. Genevieve, 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.
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:
- Evaluate how you walk, stand, and move day to day
- Provide pain-relief techniques like manual therapy or dry needling as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- 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: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Early outpatient therapy in St. Genevieve, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Do You Go to Physical Therapy in St. Genevieve, MO After a Hip Replacement?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in St. Genevieve, 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: Add strengthening and balance work while developing more independent movement
- 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. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
What If You Need More Time in Therapy?
Yes, especially for patients with complicated surgeries or existing mobility challenges, more therapy may be necessary. Conversely, some individuals complete rehab sooner when they hit their milestones early.
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 St. Genevieve, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in St. Genevieve, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps St. Genevieve, 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 — need to be retrained. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
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.
Safe Weight-Bearing Progressions
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. 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 compensatory movement 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
From climbing stairs to golfing or running errands, we design your rehab to get you back to your lifestyle. Our St. Genevieve, 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.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to help you heal safely and efficiently after a hip replacement. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
These are just a few of the services that might be included in your post-op therapy program:
- 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
Dry needling can release deep tension points, helping reduce discomfort and improve flexibility - Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - 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
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in St. Genevieve, MO
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Axes is proud to provide St. Genevieve, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 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
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
With early, late, and weekend appointments available, we make it easy to get the care you need without disrupting your routine
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 St. Genevieve, MO with Axes Today
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.
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.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
