What to Expect from Physiotherapy After Hospital Discharge
Getting physiotherapy after hospital discharge in Melbourne can feel overwhelming. You're home, you're relieved, but you're also sore, stiff, and unsure what comes next. Whether you've had a hip replacement, knee surgery, a cardiac event, or a fall that landed you in a hospital bed, the weeks after discharge are some of the most important for your recovery. And for many people, this is exactly when physiotherapy should begin - or continue. The problem? Getting to a clinic when you can barely get out of bed isn't realistic. That's where mobile physiotherapy steps in.
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Why the First Few Weeks After Discharge Matter So Much
Hospitals are great at stabilising you. But they’re not designed for long-term recovery. Most patients are discharged as soon as they’re medically stable, not when they’re fully recovered.
This means you often go home with:
- Reduced strength and mobility from time spent in bed
- Surgical wounds that limit your movement
- Pain that makes everyday tasks difficult
- Uncertainty about what exercises are safe to do
Research from the Australian Physiotherapy Association consistently shows that early physiotherapy after hospital discharge leads to better outcomes. Waiting too long can result in muscle loss, joint stiffness, increased fall risk, and longer overall recovery times.
The goal isn’t to push through pain. It’s to start moving safely, rebuild confidence, and give your body the right signals to heal.
What Post-Discharge Physiotherapy in Melbourne Actually Looks Like
If you haven’t had physio at home before, you might picture a watered-down version of a gym session. It’s not that.
A qualified mobile physiotherapist will come to your home and start with a thorough assessment. This includes:
- Understanding your surgery or hospital stay – what was done, what precautions are in place, and what your surgeon or specialist has recommended
- Assessing your current mobility – how you’re getting in and out of bed, managing stairs, walking to the bathroom
- Checking your pain levels – where it hurts, when it’s worst, and what movements trigger it
- Setting realistic goals – these might be as simple as walking to the letterbox independently or getting dressed without help
From there, your physio builds a program around your home environment. Your hallway becomes your walking track. Your kitchen bench becomes your balance bar. Your lounge chair becomes part of your sit-to-stand routine.
It’s practical, it’s specific to your life, and it removes the stress of travelling to a clinic when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Who Benefits Most from Physiotherapy After Hospital Discharge?
Honestly, almost anyone leaving hospital after a significant event. But it’s especially valuable for:
- Seniors after a fall or fracture – rebuilding confidence and strength to reduce the risk of falling again
- Joint replacement patients – following post-surgical protocols for hip, knee, or shoulder replacements
- Stroke or neurological event patients – working on movement patterns, balance, and functional independence
- Cardiac patients – gentle, progressive exercise to rebuild fitness safely
- Anyone with limited transport options – if getting to a clinic is a barrier, your recovery shouldn’t have to wait
What to Ask Your Hospital Before You Leave
If you know you’ll need physio after discharge, a few questions can make the transition smoother:
- Can I get a referral or discharge summary for my physiotherapist? This gives your physio the full picture without you having to remember every detail.
- Are there any movement restrictions I need to follow? Especially important after joint replacements or spinal surgery.
- Am I eligible for funded home physio? Many patients qualify through NDIS, DVA, Home Care Packages, Support at Home, TAC, or WorkCover – but you need to know before you leave.
- When should I start physiotherapy? In most cases, the answer is as soon as possible. Your physio can guide you on intensity and progression.
How Melbourne Patients Can Fund Post-Discharge Physiotherapy
One of the biggest concerns people have is cost. The good news is that many Australians are eligible for funded or subsidised mobile physiotherapy after hospital discharge:
- NDIS participants can use their plan to cover physiotherapy at home
- DVA Gold and White Card holders are eligible for home-based physio services
- TAC clients recovering from transport accidents can access mobile rehab
- WorkCover patients with workplace injuries can receive home-based treatment
- Home Care Package and Support at Home recipients can allocate funding to physiotherapy services
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, a quick conversation with your physio or your funding coordinator can clarify what’s covered.
Start Your Recovery with Physiotherapy After Hospital Discharge in Melbourne
Hospital discharge isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point of your recovery.
The sooner you start physiotherapy after hospital discharge, the better your chances of getting back to the things that matter – whether that’s playing with your grandkids, getting back to work, or simply feeling steady on your feet again.
And if getting to a Melbourne clinic feels like too much right now, you don’t have to. Your physio can come to you.
Khy Physio provides mobile physiotherapy across Melbourne with no travel fees within our service area. If you or a family member has recently been discharged from hospital and needs physiotherapy support at home, get in touch with our team or call us on 0410 803 034. We respond within 24 hours.
