Overview
Swimming is one of the best low-impact activities after joint replacement — once your incision is healed and your care team gives the green light.
Swimming and water exercise are often recommended after joint replacement: the water supports body weight, reduces joint loading, and provides gentle resistance for strengthening. But timing matters.
The non-negotiable first step is incision healing. Submerging a wound that hasn't fully closed raises infection risk, so most surgeons require the incision to be completely healed — typically several weeks — before pool entry. Your surgical team confirms when you're cleared; don't guess.
Once cleared, start gradually. Water walking in chest-deep water is an excellent first activity, followed by gentle kicking and eventually swimming strokes. After hip replacement, some surgeons initially advise modifying strokes like breaststroke that involve strong rotation — ask what applies to your approach and precautions.
Practical safety notes: use pool steps or a ramp rather than ladders early on, wear water shoes on slick decks, and consider scheduling around less crowded times. Water feels forgiving, but pool decks and transitions in and out of the water are where caution matters most.
Key Takeaways
- Wait for complete incision healing and clearance from your team
- Water walking is an ideal first pool activity
- Some strokes may need temporary modification after hip replacement
- Pool decks and entries deserve the most caution