Hip replacement physical therapy in Union, 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 Union, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Union, 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:
- 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
- What types of therapy techniques help you recover faster
- Why patients in Union, 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 Union, MO and Why Is It So Important?
Hip replacement physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to help you recover safely after surgery. It includes a combination of targeted exercises and movement training to restore your ability to walk, bend, and stay active. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Union, MO patients get back to normal life — including walking, driving, and everyday tasks.
If you delay or skip therapy, you risk slower healing, reduced mobility, and long-term muscle weakness. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Union, MO
It’s common for Union, 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. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Union, MO.
We typically begin working with Union, MO patients shortly after discharge — often within 2–3 days. 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. 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
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Guide your transition back into everyday activities safely
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Inpatient activity starts recovery, but outpatient therapy is where true progress happens. Early outpatient therapy in Union, 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 Union, 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. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Union, 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: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- Weeks 7–12: Improve stamina, practice stairs or uneven ground, and work toward returning to favorite routines
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, especially for patients with complicated surgeries or existing mobility challenges, more therapy may be necessary. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
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. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Union, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Union, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
Axes Physical Therapy helps Union, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Each phase builds on the last, helping you regain confidence and function safely and steadily.
Reactivating the Muscles That Support Your New Hip
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.
Improving Joint Flexibility Post-Replacement
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. Every step is monitored to ensure safe progress and reduce risk.
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.
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 Union, MO physical therapists tailor every phase of your recovery to what matters most to you.
Key Takeaway: Successful recovery happens in stages — from strength and mobility to balance and function. With professional support, you’ll progress from walking carefully to moving freely in a matter of weeks.
Which Treatments Help Most with Hip Surgery Rehab?
At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to help you heal safely and efficiently after a hip replacement. Your rehab is always tailored to your body, your stage of healing, and what you want to get back to doing.
Below are some of the treatment options that may be part of your recovery plan:
- 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
This hands-on method helps improve range of motion and reduce discomfort in key areas like your hips, 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
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®
Kinesio taping offers joint support and pain relief while promoting better posture and control
Key Takeaway: Axes delivers comprehensive, research-backed care that guides you through pain management, improved mobility, and lasting strength after hip replacement
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Union, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Our team offers Union, MO residents more than just rehab — we deliver individualized, compassionate care from start to finish.
Here’s why patients choose Axes:
- 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
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.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Union, MO
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. Our team will walk with you through each stage — from those first assisted steps to fully regaining your daily routine.
Our team will work with you, your physician, and your schedule to create a plan that fits your life and speeds your recovery
Ready to take the next step?
A new joint is just the start — we’ll help you make the most of it.
