If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering what to wear to physical therapy. No need to worry – we’ve got you covered! There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your outfit for PT: comfort, functionality, and modesty. With those three elements in mind, you’ll be sure to have a great session!
What Should I Wear to My First Physical Therapy Appointment?
One of the most common questions patients have before their first appointment is what to wear. After all, you want to be comfortable while also allowing the therapist to see and assess the affected area during your physical therapy visit.
In general, it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing that you can move around in easily for your first time therapy sessions. For example, shorts or sweatpants are a good choice for lower body injuries, while a tank top or t-shirt works well for upper body issues.
If you are unsure what to wear, simply give the office a call and they will be happy to provide guidance about your physical therapy treatment plan. Just remember that the most important thing is to be comfortable so that you can get the most out of your physical therapy session.
What Type of Clothes Do You Wear to Physical Therapy?
At most PT clinics, you’ll see a mix of patients in street clothes and workout clothes. If you have comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily, go ahead and wear those. You will want to have a pair of athletic shoes, sneakers or comfortable shoes to wear for when you are completing the various exercises.
Physical therapy appointments usually last around 45 minutes to an hour. During that time, you’ll likely do some exercises or stretches. You might also use some specialty equipment like resistance bands, electrical stimulation, balance boards, treadmill, etc.
It is a good idea to bring a change of clothes if you are coming from work.
So what you wear to your PT appointment should be comfortable and allow you to move easily. If you’re not sure what to wear, don’t hesitate to ask your physical therapy clinic for guidance.
Can I Wear Leggings to PT?
This would depend on what you are going to PT for. If you are getting your shoulder or neck treated, sure go ahead and wear leggings.
If you are going to PT for an ankle or knee injury, it would not be beneficial to wear leggings. You would to wear more loose-fitting pants, especially for your physical therapy evaluation. They are hard to pull up if the physical therapist needs to take a closer look at your thigh, knee, or ankle.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy Based on Diagnosis
As mentioned above, when it comes to deciding what to wear to physical therapy, it does depend on your diagnosis or the body parts that the physical therapist will be addressing.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Hip
When it comes to hip issues, you’ll want to make sure that your clothing is loose fitting and comfortable. Jeans or tailored trousers may be too restrictive for the therapist to assess your condition accurately. Opt for a pair of elastic shirts, yoga pants or sweatpants instead.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Back or Lower Back
For back or lower back issues, it is important that you wear clothing that allows the therapist to access your lower back area. This may mean wearing a tank top, sports bra, and loose elastic shorts or pants. If you have intense low back pain, you will want clothing that you can remove easily if they need to treat your back directly with different modalities such as massage or ultrasound.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Knee
Following knee replacement or other lower body injuries, you’ll want to make sure that your clothing is loose fitting and allows for easy movement. Shorts or sweatpants are usually a good choice. You want to be able to have full range of motion.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Neck
When being treated for neck pain, you’ll want to make sure that your clothing is loose fitting and allows for easy movement. A tank top or t-shirt are usually good options. They may have you change into a gown regardless for certain modalities. In that case, you may want to choose a button up shirt that may be easier to get on and off if you are in a lot of pain.
If you have longer hair, you will want to put it in a pony tail for easier access to your neck area.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Shoulder
For shoulder issues and shoulder pain, it is important that you wear clothing that allows the therapist to access your shoulder area. This may mean wearing a tank top, baggy t-shirt, sports bra and loose shorts or pants.
They may need you to change into a gown to prevent your clothes from getting wet to provide certain modalities like moist heat.
If your shoulder is very tight and painful, be sure to wear clothing that is not restrictive clothing or wear clothes that you can get on and off easily.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy for Foot or Ankle
For foot or ankle issues, you’ll want to make sure that your clothing is loose fitting around the ankles if you are wearing pants and allows for easy movement. Shorts or sweatpants are usually a good choice to complete your therapeutic exercises or workout routines.
You could always wear shorts under sweatpants in the cooler weather. Make sure you have socks on that are easy to get on and off in case the therapist needs to look closer at your ankle or foot.
Conclusion on What to Wear to Physical Therapy
No matter what type of physical therapy appointment you have, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that allows the therapist access to the area being treated. Jeans or tailored trousers may be too restrictive, while shorts or sweatpants are typically a good choice. If you’re not sure what to wear, simply give your physical therapy office a alll and they will be happy to provide guidance and answer any of your specific questions.