EMBODY
EMBODY is our virtual group physiotherapy program for women and gender diverse people having a baby at The Royal.
This program occurs weekly for 30min and includes 20mins of movement and education designed to prevent common symptoms like incontinence and back pain in pregnancy and after birth.
Pelvic floor muscle training 3-4 times per week and exercising 30min each day is known to prevent conditions like incontinence and gestational diabetes. EMBODY will introduce you to both pelvic floor exercises and exercise that is safe and beneficial to do during pregnancy.
When you attend EMBODY you will be asked to complete the online health survey to screen for any symptoms or problems that might benefit from physiotherapy. If you do have symptoms, completing the survey is one of the fastest and easiest ways to see a physiotherapist.
EMBODY is also recommended to supplement physiotherapy appointments you might be attending and your physiotherapist can guide you on this as needed.
EMBODY Pregnancy is a virtual group physiotherapy program, designed by the expert team of women's health physios at The Royal Hospital for Women.
What do the sessions involve?
Similar to seeing a physiotherapist 1:1, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and tune in from an environment where you can move around. Your physiotherapist will guide you through movement, pelvic floor exercises and key health information to boost your pregnancy health
What do I need to attend?
Simply click on the link. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth and phone number using the link in the chat box at the beginning of the class. If you arrive late, the physiotherapist will ask you to complete this at the end of the class. This information is not public, it is only available to staff to facilitate accurate recording and documentation of your attendance.
What if I'm working?
EMBODY Pregnancy is held at Midday, virtually, to assist women to attend at work. We understand not all women have the flexibility to attend while at work so we encourage you to treat these sessions like appointments. We can provide appointment certification for your employer if needed
Do I need to be fit to attend?
No, you don't need to be fit. EMBODY has been designed for all women regardless of health or fitness level. Attending EMBODY weekly will help you gradually build strength and fitness as your pregnancy progresses
What is the cost?
It is FREE to join EMBODY, our virtual physiotherapy program!
EMBODY and physiotherapy is covered by Medicare. If you are Medicare ineligible, you can attend EMBODY free of charge
What if I have technical difficulties attending the class?
To join the class you will need to sign in with a Microsoft Teams account. If you use your work or university Teams account, your organisation might block the link. If that happens, please sign in with a personal Teams account instead.
It is asking me to fill out letters to access the class, what do I do?
You might be asked to type some letters or numbers (or select pictures) to prove you’re not a robot. This happens to check that you’re a real person and not an automated program. If you encounter this, don’t worry, just follow the prompt. Once you complete it, you’ll be allowed to access the class.
What if I need to see a Physiotherapist?
Within the EMBODY program you'll have opportunities to complete a short health survey, where you can tell us about any concerns or health problems that you might have. This survey acts as a referral, and we will contact you about an appointment as you need. You can also drop in to ANDi on Wednesday and Friday between 1.30 and 3pm, in Antenatal Outpatients to see a physiotherapist about your pregnancy symptoms or concerns.
Program 1 - Early pregnancy (up to 20 weeks)
Mondays 12pm-12.30pm
- This program runs every Monday at 12pm midday, except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- We recommend completing 4-12 sessions.
- You will receive a tailored pelvic floor program to start your pregnancy and find simple strategies to manage fatigue and improve your health in pregnancy.
To attend program 1, click to join here at the start of the class.
Program 2 - Mid pregnancy (20-30 weeks)
Tuesdays 12pm-12.30pm
- Program 2 runs every Tuesday at 12pm midday except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- We recommend attending 4-8 sessions in program 2, through the middle of your pregnancy.
- You'll receive leading physiotherapy guidance to prevent and get on top of tricky pregnancy symptoms like pelvic girdle pain and incontinence.
To attend program 2, click to join here at the start of the class.
Program 3 - Late pregnancy (from 30 weeks)
Thursdays 12pm-12.30pm
- Program 3 runs every Thursday at 12pm midday, except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- Our final pregnancy program is all about birth preparation and setting up your recovery after birth. We recommend attending 6-8 sessions in program 3, up until you have your baby.
To attend program 3, click to join here at the start of the class.
EMBODY After Birth is a virtual group physiotherapy program, designed by the expert team of women's health physios at The Royal Hospital for Women.
All women having a baby at The Royal are invited to register for this 3-part series of virtual physio at key milestones in the recovery after childbirth.
We recommend you attend each program (early recovery, 6-week check and chasing active) to maximise the benefits of this evidence-based physiotherapy program.
What do the sessions involve?
Similar to seeing a physiotherapist 1:1, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and join the session from an environment where you can move around. Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle movements, pelvic floor exercises and key health information to support your recovery.
What do I need to attend?
Simply click on the link. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth and phone number using the link in the chat box at the beginning of the class. If you arrive late, the physiotherapist will ask you to complete this at the end of the class. This information is not public, it is only available to staff to allow accurate documentation of your attendance.
Do I need to be fit to attend?
No you don't need to be fit. EMBODY has been designed for all women regardless of health or fitness level and you are encouraged to take it at your own pace and listen to your body. Attending EMBODY weekly will help you gradually build strength and fitness as you recover after birth.
What is the cost?
It is FREE to join EMBODY, our virtual physiotherapy program!
EMBODY and physiotherapy is covered by Medicare for women who had their baby at The Royal. If you are Medicare ineligible, you can attend EMBODY free of charge. If you need to see a physiotherapist face-to-face, there is a charge if you don't have Medicare.
What if I have technical difficulties attending the class?
To join the class you will need to sign in with a Microsoft Teams account. If you use your work or university Teams account, your organisation might block the link. If that happens, please sign in with a personal Teams account instead.
It is asking me to type letters to access the class, what do I do?
You might be asked to type letters or numbers (or select pictures) to prove you’re not a robot. This happens to check that you’re a real person and not an automated program. If you encounter this, don’t worry, just follow the prompt. Once you complete it, you’ll be allowed to access the class.
Program 1 - Early recovery (0-2 weeks after birth)
Mondays 11.30am-12pm
- This is a one-off session to discuss early management of bladder and bowels as well as general guidance of what to expect in the post-natal period.
- It runs every Monday at 11:30 am, except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- We recommend completing this session within the first 2 weeks after birth, especially after your first baby.
- You will leave with a greater understanding of post-natal recovery, good bladder and bowel function, how to activate and engage your pelvic floor muscles and guidance regarding return to exercise.
- This is an interactive session and enables you to ask any questions you have regarding your post-natal recovery.
To attend program 1, click to join here at the start of the class.
Program 2 - The 6-week check (2-6 weeks after birth)
Tuesdays 11.30am-12pm
- Program 2 builds on your movement and pelvic floor exercises across 4 sessions.
- It runs every Tuesday at 1130 am except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- We recommend attending these sessions in the lead up to your 6- week check.
- You'll receive physiotherapy guidance about:
- Session 1: Abdominal separation
- Session 2: Musculoskeletal pain
- Session 3: Incontinence
- Session 4: Returning to higher impact exercise
To attend program 2, click to join here at the start of the class.
Program 3 - Chasing active (6+ weeks after birth)
Thursdays 11.30am-12pm
- Program 3 will help your pelvic floor handle the many different challenges that motherhood will throw at you.
- It runs every Thursday at 11:30 am except for public holidays and during the Christmas & New Year period.
- If you are still experiencing symptoms, this final program is for you! You will have access to pelvic floor screening and 1:1 physiotherapy if you need it as you attend these final sessions.
- You'll receive physiotherapy guidance about:
- Session 1: Vaginal symptoms
- Session 2: Return to intercourse
- Session 3: Return to running
- Session 4: Planning your next pregnancy
To attend program 3, click to join here at the start of the class.