Physical therapy after hip replacement in Tower Grove, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Tower Grove, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Tower Grove, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. Whether your goal is to walk with ease or get back to your favorite activities, we’re here to support every milestone.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- Why physical therapy is essential after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- How Axes Physical Therapy helps patients in Tower Grove, MO recover stronger
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Tower Grove, MO?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a carefully planned rehab process that supports your safe recovery from hip surgery. It includes a combination of flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Most Tower Grove, 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.
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: Physical therapy after a hip replacement helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of complications. Without it, healing is slower and long-term function may be limited.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Tower Grove, MO
It’s common for Tower Grove, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. 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 Tower Grove, MO physical therapy provider.
Our Tower Grove, MO physical therapists see patients shortly after they’re discharged, often within a few days of surgery. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may give you a basic home exercise plan. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. As soon as it’s safe to start, we guide your outpatient rehab with a personalized approach:
- 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
- Advance your exercise plan based on healing and strength
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
Outpatient therapy is where the bulk of your recovery happens, and the sooner you begin, the better your results tend to be
Key Takeaway: You begin healing in the hospital, but you build function and strength in outpatient care. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Tower Grove, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
What’s the Typical Length of Physical Therapy After a Hip Replacement in Tower Grove, 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. Our Tower Grove, MO team adjusts your therapy schedule to your needs, not a standard template.
General Physical Therapy Progression After Hip Surgery
- Weeks 1 to 3: Manage pain, regain basic movement, and use support tools like walkers safely
- 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
Most patients start with two to three visits per week, then reduce frequency as they regain strength. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
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. Conversely, some individuals complete rehab sooner when they hit their milestones early.
The key is consistent effort. Skipping sessions or ending too soon can lead to stiffness, weakness, and slower return to normal life.
Key Takeaway: Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for 1–3 months. How far you go depends on showing up, staying engaged, and working with Tower Grove, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Tower Grove, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Tower Grove, MO-area patients through every phase of hip replacement recovery — from your first steps to long-term mobility. Each part of the program helps you steadily rebuild function, mobility, and confidence.
Strengthening the Right Muscles
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.
Regaining Movement After Surgery
It’s common to feel stiff after 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.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
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. 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 poor walking patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
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 Tower Grove, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
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.
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. 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
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
This technique boosts muscle strength with light resistance, reducing strain on your recovering hip - 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®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
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 Tower Grove, MO
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Our team offers Tower Grove, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 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
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
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: Axes Physical Therapy combines local roots, experienced clinicians, and personalized care to help you recover better and faster, with a team that’s truly invested in your outcome.
Schedule Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, 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. Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help — from initial mobility to long-term strength and independence.
Your care plan is built around you — with support from our team and input from your physician
Ready to take the next step?
Your new hip is just the beginning. Let’s make sure it moves the way it should.
