Hip replacement physical therapy in Wickes, MO is a critical part of your recovery journey, helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love most. Whether you’re days out from surgery or planning ahead, personalized physical therapy in Wickes, MO can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you heal.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in guiding Wickes, MO-area patients through every stage of post-op recovery with science-backed treatments, compassionate care, and clear goals. We’ll help you build strength, restore function, and regain confidence — at your pace and on your terms.
Here’s What You’ll Discover Below:
- The reasons physical therapy matters after hip replacement surgery
- What to expect in the early and later stages of rehab
- How long recovery takes and what it typically involves
- The most effective rehab methods for pain relief and mobility
- Why patients in Wickes, 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 Wickes, 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. They’ll also show you how to reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and protect your new joint from setbacks.
Physical therapy usually begins within 1–2 days after surgery and continues for a few months, helping Wickes, 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.
What Happens Immediately After Hip Replacement Surgery in Wickes, MO
Within the first 24 hours post-surgery, most Wickes, MO patients begin moving under hospital supervision. Therapists typically help you start walking with a walker or crutches before you’re even discharged. True recovery starts when you begin outpatient physical therapy in Wickes, MO.
Patients in Wickes, MO usually begin outpatient rehab with us just a few days after leaving the hospital. We continue your care with a customized, research-based plan focused on getting you back to full function safely and efficiently.
Transitioning from Hospital to Outpatient Rehab
Most patients receive a starter exercise routine before they’re discharged from the hospital. While those movements help keep you active, they don’t replace structured physical therapy. Once you’re cleared for outpatient PT, our Wickes, 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 as needed to reduce soreness and improve mobility
- Progress your exercises safely and effectively
- Monitor healing and prevent delays in healing
- Help you feel comfortable returning to your normal routine
The sooner you begin outpatient rehab, the more effective your recovery tends to be
Key Takeaway: Getting moving in the hospital is important — but real gains come with outpatient rehab. Working with a trusted rehab team in Wickes, MO soon after discharge helps you recover more fully and avoid setbacks.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery in Wickes, MO?
On average, hip replacement rehab lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on health status and recovery pace. At Axes, your physical therapy plan in Wickes, MO is based on your individual recovery — not a rigid timeline.
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: 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
The typical plan starts with multiple sessions weekly, gradually scaling back as progress is made. At each stage, your home plan evolves to match your therapy sessions and recovery speed.
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. Others may finish earlier if they meet their goals quickly.
Consistency is everything — missing appointments or stopping too early can delay recovery and lead to setbacks.
Key Takeaway: Typical outpatient PT for hip replacement runs about 1 to 3 months. You’ll recover best by committing to your plan and partnering with Wickes, MO therapists who adapt it to fit your needs — not a fixed schedule.
Wickes, MO Hip Replacement Physical Therapy, Step-by-Step
At Axes, we guide Wickes, 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.
Strengthening the Right Muscles
After surgery, the muscles that support your new hip — including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings — need to be retrained. These exercises are designed to rebuild key leg muscles and help you move more confidently and safely.
Restoring Range of Motion and Flexibility
Most patients feel tightness in the joint following surgery. Targeted mobility exercises improve range of motion and help you move through daily tasks more comfortably.
Building Toward Full Weight Bearing
During recovery, we’ll slowly increase weight on your surgical leg — beginning with assistive devices and moving toward unassisted walking. We’ll guide you through this carefully to protect your healing hip and avoid setbacks.
Training for Safer, Stronger Walking Patterns
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.
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. Our Wickes, 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 proper care, you’ll go from slow, steady steps to fully confident activity — on your schedule.
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.
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)
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
This system uses motion sensors to analyze walking, balance, and body mechanics so we can tailor your rehab precisely - Kinesio Taping®
Supportive tape applications can minimize swelling, stabilize joints, and guide motion patterns as you heal
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 Wickes, MO?
Your recovery isn’t just about healing — it’s about getting back to living. Axes is proud to provide Wickes, MO-area patients with tailored, one-on-one support that truly makes a difference.
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 team includes seasoned therapists with 15+ years of experience treating joint replacements and orthopedic injuries - 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 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 Wickes, MO
No matter where you are in your recovery — before or after surgery — the right rehab support is key. 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
Take the first step toward feeling better.
Now that your hip is replaced, let’s help it work the way it’s meant to.
