<div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="a6dd97ce-284a-4802-86a0-bb0c04560b58"><p>The days after surgery often bring stiff joints, tender movement, and <strong>swelling after surgery</strong> that can make even simple tasks feel harder than usual. Recovery isn't a straight line, and it looks different for everyone. Having the right support around you, and a program that adapts as you heal, can make those early weeks easier to manage.</p><p>If you've recently had surgery on a hip, knee or another joint, you're far from alone. In September 2025, the Australian Orthopaedic Association's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://aoa.org.au/news-item/2025/09/30/aoanjrr-milestone---one-million-hip-replacements-recorded">National Joint Replacement Registry</a> recorded its one-millionth hip replacement procedure, a marker of just how common this kind of recovery is across Australia. For many people, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/melton/hydrotherapy/">hydrotherapy</a> at Healthstin Melton becomes part of that journey, using warm water exercise to help <strong>reduce swelling after surgery</strong> and support gentle movement alongside standard rehabilitation.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f436a6d7-27ce-4f87-a3b1-98842dea81e3"><h4>Can Hydrotherapy Help With Post-Surgical Swelling and Stiffness?</h4></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="103f6437-bc59-4806-accc-8728d8f060a3"><p>Many of the well-known <strong>benefits of hydrotherapy</strong> come from the properties of warm water itself. Buoyancy takes pressure off healing joints, while gentle resistance can support circulation, which may help <strong>reduce swelling after surgery</strong> and keep muscles moving without added strain.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="f1200216-a713-49f2-9c9b-33f65c530fc3"><p>Research in this area is still developing. Some studies focusing on <strong>swelling after hip replacement surgery</strong>, as well as knee replacement, show early improvements in comfort and movement, while others find results broadly similar to land-based exercise alone. Because the evidence is mixed, hydrotherapy works best as one part of a wider rehabilitation plan rather than a stand-alone fix, and always alongside your surgeon's advice on when it's safe to begin water-based exercise.</p><p>Some of the <strong>hydrotherapy pool benefits</strong> people notice in a typical session include: </p><ul><li><p>Gentle range-of-motion work to support joint mobility </p></li><li><p>Guided walking or stepping in the water to rebuild confidence </p></li><li><p>Light resistance exercises to help maintain strength </p></li><li><p>A calmer space to ease muscle tension after activity</p></li></ul></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="b5a78b01-f72e-498f-9d4c-f5e0a5cfc2ae"><h4>A Team Approach for NDIS Participants</h4></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="05cbebcc-1af0-49ee-91ca-200d58890f41"><p>The <strong>hydrotherapy benefits</strong> described above tend to go further when paired with a coordinated team around you. Depending on your goals, your recovery plan might also draw on:</p><ul><li><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/physiotherapy/">Physiotherapy</a> to help rebuild strength, balance and everyday movement </p></li><li><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/exercise-physiology/">Exercise physiology</a> to design a program suited to your recovery stage </p></li><li><p>Regular progress updates to keep your Support Coordinator and NDIS plan aligned with how you're tracking</p></li></ul><p>For NDIS participants, hydrotherapy is generally funded under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-funding/other-types-support/what-are-therapy-supports">Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living or Improved Health and Wellbeing</a>, when it's written into your plan and delivered by a qualified allied health professional. Funding depends on your individual plan and goals, so it's worth checking with your Support Coordinator or plan manager about what's already included before you begin.</p><p>Not sure what your plan covers, or whether hydrotherapy is the right fit for you right now? Book a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/free-consultation-qualifying-page/">free 30-minute NDIS consultation</a> with our Melton team, or call <strong>1300 090 931</strong> to talk it through with someone directly.</p></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="800704ec-eef8-4dc1-ac72-40fd4e7508b9"><h4>How to Choose a Hydrotherapy Provider in Melton</h4></div> <div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="a91e2f9d-e2fc-4499-8f10-aa1a1052797d"><p>If you're weighing up your options for <strong>hydrotherapy</strong> near <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/melton/">Melton</a>, a few questions can help. Does the provider work as part of a coordinated team, so your physiotherapist, exercise physiologist and hydrotherapy sessions aren't happening in isolation? Is your program adjusted as your recovery progresses, rather than following a fixed template? And do they have experience supporting NDIS participants through post-surgical recovery specifically? A little research now can save a lot of back-and-forth later. </p><p>Recovering from surgery takes time, and dealing with swelling and stiffness along the way is a normal, if frustrating, part of the process. Combining hydrotherapy with your physiotherapy or exercise physiology program gives your body a gentle, supported way to keep moving, and to <strong>reduce swelling after surgery</strong>, at a pace that works for you.</p><p>Ready to take the next step? Fill out our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/referral-form/">referral form</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-style-link" href="https://www.healthstin.com.au/book-appointment/">book an appointment online</a> with Healthstin Melton today.</p></div>