Hip replacement physical therapy in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO plays a key role in your recovery timeline.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding St. Louis, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented 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
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in St. Louis, MO recover stronger
- Ways to move confidently after your hip replacement
Why Does Hip Replacement Physical Therapy Matter in St. Louis, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a step-by-step recovery program that guides you safely through healing after 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.
In most cases, St. Louis, MO patients begin PT within 48 hours of surgery and stay in treatment long enough to comfortably resume daily activities like walking, stairs, or yardwork.
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: Post-surgical rehab is key to building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing problems after your hip replacement. 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. Louis, MO
Most St. Louis, MO patients begin some form of physical activity within 24 hours of surgery, typically while still in the hospital. 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 St. Louis, MO physical therapy provider.
We typically begin working with St. Louis, 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. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our St. Louis, 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 to ease tension and promote healing
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Support your return to daily life with confidence
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Working with a trusted rehab team in St. Louis, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in St. Louis, 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. Louis, 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: Build endurance, work on stairs or uneven surfaces, and return to daily activities or recreational goals
You might begin with 2–3 sessions per week, then taper to once weekly as you improve. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
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. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: The average course of hip rehab lasts one to three months. Your progress depends on consistency, effort, and working with St. Louis, MO physical therapists who adjust your plan as you heal, not just sticking to a timeline.
St. Louis, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide St. Louis, 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 — require focused work to regain strength and control. We’ll guide you through exercises that improve leg strength, stabilize your hip, and support safe walking and movement.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
Stiffness is a normal part of early hip replacement recovery. 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.
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.
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. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our St. Louis, MO team.
Key Takeaway: Step-by-step recovery leads to lasting results — starting with motion and ending with full functional return. With the right plan and expert guidance, you’ll go from cautious steps to confident movement in just a few months.
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.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
We offer personalized strength and mobility training before and after surgery to promote steady, safe recovery - Manual Therapy
Therapists use manual techniques to relieve stiffness and tightness, particularly in the hips and nearby muscle groups - 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)
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 Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide St. Louis, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
What makes Axes different:
- 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
Our therapy methods are grounded in proven research, ensuring your recovery is personalized, safe, and efficient - 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.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO 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.
Our team will work with you, your physician, and your schedule to create a plan that fits your life and speeds your recovery
Take the first step toward feeling better.
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
