EMBODY

EMBODY logo

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?  

  • Once you register, you will be sent the log in details for the Microsoft Teams Webinar event Simply follow the link and enter the invitation code to join

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 world-class virtual physiotherapy program! 
  • EMBODY and physiotherapy is covered by Medicare. If you are Medicare ineligible, you can attend EMBODY free of charge

How do I register for program 2 and 3?  

  • Your EMBODY physiotherapist will give you these details in program 1. We don't recommend registering in advance as the programs continually roll over. You can find these details below

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) 

  • This program runs every Monday at 12pm midday, except for public holidays.  
  • 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 Register here!

Program 2 - Mid pregnancy (20-30 weeks) 

  • Program 2 runs every Tuesday at 12pm midday except for public holidays.
  • 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 Register here!

Program 3 - Late pregnancy (from 30 weeks) 

  • Program 3 runs every Thursday at 12pm midday.
  • 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 Register here! 

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 between 1-4 sessions of 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 tune in from an environment where you can move around. Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle movements, pelvic floor exercises and key health information to boost your recovery.

What do I do with bub while I attend? 

  • Great question! Your physiotherapist will give you options for participating with sleeping, feeding and unsettled babies at the beginning of each session. All babies are welcome and make for great training companions!

What do I need to attend? 

  • Once you register, you will be sent the log in details for the Microsoft Teams Webinar event. Simply follow the link and enter the invitation code to join.

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 you recover after birth.

What is the cost? 

  • It is FREE to join EMBODY, our world-class 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.

How do I register for program 2 and 3? 

  • Your EMBODY physiotherapist will give you these details in program 1. For the moment, you will need to attend at least one session in program 1 to register for program 2. 
  • To register for program 3, you will need to attend at least one session in program 2.

 

Program 1 - Early recovery (0-6 weeks after birth)

  • This program of 4 sessions covers top tips for making a full and quick recovery. 
  • It runs every Monday at 1130 am, except for public holidays. 
  • We recommend completing 4 sessions in program 1 within the first 6 weeks after birth, especially if you had your first baby. 
  • You will leave with a tailored PFMT program to start your recovery and find simple strategies to manage pain and pelvic floor symptoms. Each session involves both movement and pelvic floor exercise and has a topic focus: 
  1. Session 1- individual pelvic floor muscle training program 
  2. Session 2 -getting active 
  3. Session 3 - common symptoms after childbirth 
  4. Session 4 - healing wounds 

To attend program 1, Register here!

Program 2 - The 6-week check (6-12 weeks after birth)

  • Program 2 builds on your movement and pelvic floor exercise across 4 sessions. 
  • It runs every Tuesday at 1130 am except for public holidays.
  • You'll receive leading physiotherapy guidance about returning to exercise, returning to sex and pelvic floor symptoms.
  • We recommend attending 2-4 sessions in program 2, at the time of your GP 6-week check. 
  • Your pelvic floor exercises will be progressed and you will be confident to exercise, returning to your pre-pregnancy exercise routine.
  1. Session 1 - retraining bladder habits 
  2. Session 2 - returning to sex 
  3. Session 3 - pain in the butt 
  4. Session 4 - running & jumping & my pelvic floor

To attend program 2, Register here!

Program 3 - Chasing active (12+ weeks after birth)

  • Program 3 will help your pelvic floor handle the many different challenges that motherhood will throw at you. 
  • It runs every Thursday at 1130 am except for public holidays.
  • We recommend attending 3-4 sessions in program 3 anytime after your baby is 3 months old. If you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, 6-8 sessions are ideal.
  • 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.
  1. Session 1 - incontinence
  2. Session 2 - vaginal symptoms 
  3. Session 3 - returning to running
  4. Session 4 - planning next pregnancy 

To attend program 3, Register here!