Hip replacement physical therapy in St. George, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in St. George, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding St. George, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with evidence-based strategies, empathetic care, and personalized recovery plans. From walking confidently again to returning to hobbies or daily routines, we’ll help you move forward, one step at a time.
What This Page Covers:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- Why patients in St. George, MO choose Axes for their hip replacement recovery
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in St. George, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely 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. 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. George, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
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: 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 to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in St. George, MO
It’s common for St. George, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in St. George, MO.
We typically begin working with St. George, 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.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. While helpful in the short term, this is not a replacement for hands-on 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
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
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. George, MO gives you a head start on reaching your recovery goals — safely and effectively.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in St. George, 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. Axes’ St. George, MO physical therapists tailor your program to your progress, not a one-size-fits-all calendar.
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?
Yes. Some patients — especially those recovering from more complex procedures or with pre-existing mobility issues — benefit from additional sessions. 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: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with St. George, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Your Hip Replacement Rehab Plan in St. George, MO, Explained
At Axes, we guide St. George, MO-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
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.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
It’s common to feel stiff after surgery. We use guided stretching and motion techniques to help you restore joint flexibility and ease of movement.
Increasing Weight Safely After Surgery
As your hip heals, we’ll gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your leg — starting with a walker or crutches and working toward walking without assistance. 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. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
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 St. George, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Hip replacement rehab moves in clear phases, each focused on rebuilding strength, coordination, and control. With proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
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. Your rehab is always tailored to your body, your stage of healing, and what you want to get back to doing.
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
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
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
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
Why Patients Trust Axes for Hip Replacement Recovery in St. George, MO
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. We’re proud to support St. George, MO-area patients with personalized, hands-on care that goes beyond the basics.
What makes Axes different:
- Locally Owned, Community-Focused
Serving St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, our many locations make top-tier rehab accessible and community-centered - Experienced Physical Therapists
Every therapist at Axes brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience to support hip replacement recovery - Evidence-Based Treatment Plans
Our therapy methods are grounded in proven research, ensuring your recovery is personalized, safe, and efficient - 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
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.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. George, MO 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.
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.
