Physical therapy after hip replacement in Washington, 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 Washington, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Washington, 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 You’ll Learn on This Page:
- How physical therapy supports your recovery after hip replacement surgery
- How hip rehab progresses over time — from hospital to full recovery
- The usual timeline for hip replacement recovery and therapy
- Which exercises and treatments speed healing and reduce pain
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Washington, MO
- Tips for walking, climbing stairs, and staying active after surgery
What Is Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Washington, 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. Your therapist will also help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and avoid risky movements as your hip heals.
In most cases, Washington, 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 consistent physical therapy is so important after hip surgery — it’s critical to long-term success.
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.
What to Expect Right After Hip Replacement Surgery in Washington, MO
It’s common for Washington, MO patients to start light movement within a day of surgery, usually while still admitted. You’ll likely take your first steps with a walker or crutches under the guidance of hospital staff or an inpatient physical therapist. But the real progress begins once you start working with an outpatient Washington, MO physical therapy provider.
Patients in Washington, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. From that point forward, our rehab team follows a proven system to help you heal, move, and regain strength.
From Hospital Discharge to Outpatient Therapy
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:
- 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 complications
- 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. Starting PT shortly after discharge, with a physical therapy team in Washington, 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 Washington, 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. Axes’ Washington, 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: 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 7–12: 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. We’ll also adapt your home exercises to align with your in-clinic progress.
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. On the other hand, patients with quicker progress may finish therapy ahead of schedule.
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 Washington, MO therapists who tailor your care to your recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Washington, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Washington, MO patients move through each stage of hip replacement rehab — from day one to full independence. Every step of the process is designed to restore your strength, stability, and comfort.
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.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
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. 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 poor walking patterns. Our therapists help retrain your body to walk evenly and safely, with attention to posture and balance.
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. Every part of your program is personalized to your goals by our Washington, MO team.
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.
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. We customize every program based on your recovery stage, activity goals, and physical condition.
Here are some of the services we may include in your rehab plan:
- Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Whether you worked with us before surgery or are starting post-op, we’ll guide your recovery with customized exercises, mobility training, and progressive strengthening - 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)
Specialized tools help treat scar tissue and tight muscles, improving range of motion and speeding recovery - 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®
Elastic taping techniques that support your joint, reduce swelling, and encourage proper alignment during movement
Key Takeaway: From easing pain to building strength, Axes provides a full range of evidence-based treatments to support every step of your recovery
Why Choose Axes for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Washington, MO?
Recovery means more than healing a joint — it means restoring your quality of life. Axes is proud to provide Washington, 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 licensed PTs have an average of over 15 years of clinical experience, with specialized knowledge in orthopedic and post-surgical rehab - 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
It’s easy to stay on track with our flexible scheduling options that fit around your busy day
Key Takeaway: You can count on Axes for individualized, expert-led therapy delivered by people who care deeply about your recovery.
Start Your Hip Replacement Recovery with Axes in Washington, MO
Whether you’re days away from surgery or weeks into healing, physical therapy is crucial for your progress. Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help — from initial mobility to long-term strength and independence.
We coordinate with your surgeon and design a schedule that supports your lifestyle and goals
Ready to take the next step?
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
