Hip replacement physical therapy in Weldon Spring, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, supporting your return to normal movement, reducing pain, and helping you enjoy your daily life again. From pre-op planning to post-op care, physical therapy in Weldon Spring, MO is essential to healing well and regaining independence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Weldon Spring, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with clinically proven techniques, personal support, and goal-oriented plans. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
What You’ll Learn on This Page:
- The reasons physical therapy matters 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
- What makes Axes a trusted choice for hip rehab in Weldon Spring, MO
- Helpful advice for staying mobile and safe post-surgery
What Makes Hip Replacement Rehab So Essential in Weldon Spring, 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 flexibility work, muscle strengthening, and gait training to help you regain everyday function. 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 Weldon Spring, 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. 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. Skipping it may slow recovery and leave you with lasting limitations.
Your First Steps After Hip Replacement in Weldon Spring, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Weldon Spring, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. 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 Weldon Spring, MO.
Patients in Weldon Spring, 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.
What Happens Between Surgery and Starting Rehab
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. These exercises are useful, but they aren’t a substitute for guided rehab with a licensed therapist. 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 as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Build your routine gradually to match your recovery pace
- Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
Most recovery progress happens during outpatient therapy — starting early can mean faster, smoother results
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 Weldon Spring, MO that understands your goals, leads to faster, safer, and more complete healing.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Weldon Spring, 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. Our Weldon Spring, 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: Progress to strengthening, balance, and more independent mobility
- 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. Your therapist will also adjust your home program to support what you’re doing in the clinic.
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. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Weldon Spring, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery in Weldon Spring, MO
Axes Physical Therapy helps Weldon Spring, 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.
Building Strength After Hip Replacement
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. 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.
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. You’ll always be guided at a pace that’s safe and supported.
Gait and Balance Training
After joint surgery, it’s common to favor one side or develop compensatory movement patterns. We focus on improving how you walk so every step is aligned, steady, and pain-free.
Returning to Real-Life Activities
If your goal is walking the dog or swinging a club, we’ll include exercises that help you do it safely. Our Weldon Spring, MO therapists build each plan around your recovery timeline and daily life needs.
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.
What Treatments Work Best After a Hip Replacement?
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.
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
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)
We use tools to release tissue restrictions and support faster, more comfortable healing - Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
BFR allows you to gain strength with minimal load — perfect for early stages of healing - 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: 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
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Hip Rehab in Weldon Spring, MO?
Healing is only part of the journey — your recovery is about reclaiming your lifestyle. Our team offers Weldon Spring, 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
With more than 20 convenient locations across Greater St. Louis, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, we’re rooted in your community, and we treat you like family - 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
We stay up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure your recovery is effective, safe, and tailored to your progress - Compassionate, One-on-One Care
We listen to your goals and design care around helping you achieve them, whether personal or practical - 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: 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.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Physical Therapy in Weldon Spring, MO Today
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
Let’s get started.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
