What to Wear When You Come For Physical Therapy

October 20, 2024

a person sitting on a roll of foam

a person sitting on a roll of foam

When you come for your first session of physical therapy, you might be wondering, “what should I wear?”

Choosing the right outfit for physical therapy might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable and effective your sessions are. Whether it’s your first evaluation or a regular visit, what you wear can impact how easily you move, how well your therapist can assess your condition, and even how you feel throughout your exercises.

In this blog, we’ll guide you on what to wear for your physical therapy sessions so you can show up prepared, comfortable, and ready to get the most out of your treatment!

More Posts Like This By Intecore Physical Therapy:

How Physical Therapy Helps You Stay Active and Independent as You Age

5 Simple Knee Strengthening Exercises to Reduce Pain

5 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery

What Not to Wear to Physical Therapy

The last thing you want is clothing that restricts your movement or makes you uncomfortable.

Tight, restrictive clothing like jeans or dress pants are not ideal because they can make it difficult to move freely. Anything with a rigid waistband, zippers, or buttons—like tight skirts, dresses, or smart work pants—can limit your ability to bend, stretch, or lunge, which is essential during your session.

Think about this: can you bend over easily? Can you twist, lunge, and lift your arms and legs without restriction? If the answer is no, it’s time to opt for something a bit more flexible. Wear clothing that allows full range of motion to ensure your therapist can assess and treat you effectively.

Shoes are also important! Avoid anything that lacks grip or support, like polished shoes, flip-flops, loafers, or backless shoes. You may be asked to do exercises that involve movement, so you’ll need supportive footwear with good traction to avoid slipping and provide stability.

Lastly, we recommend removing jewelry before your appointment, especially items like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. These can get in the way, limit access to certain muscles and joints, and even pose a risk of injury. Plus, we wouldn’t want any of your valuables to be damaged during your session! Keep it simple with comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and supportive shoes to get the most out of your therapy.

How to Dress for a Physical Therapy Session

When it comes to physical therapy, dressing comfortably is key to getting the most out of your session. While what you wear is ultimately up to you, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re comfortable and can move freely during your treatment.

Clothes That Pass the Squat Test

The most important thing to remember when dressing for physical therapy is to choose something comfortable and non-restrictive. Think along the lines of sweatpants, leggings, or any leisurewear you would wear to a workout. If you’re not sure, give your outfit a quick “squat test”—try performing a few lunges, squats, or circling your arms above your head. If your clothing allows you to do these movements easily, you’re good to go!

Layer Up

It’s always a good idea to wear layers to your appointment. Your session will likely include some exercise, which might make you warm, but there may also be times when you’ll be sitting and talking to your therapist or even getting ice therapy for sore joints. Wearing layers means you can adjust as needed. Consider wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt or tank top with a zip-up sports jacket. This way, you can easily remove or add layers as your body temperature changes throughout the session.

Sneakers

When it comes to footwear, sneakers with socks are your best bet. It doesn’t really matter what kind of sneakers—whether they’re running shoes, cross-trainers, or even your favorite everyday sneakers. The key is that they provide good support and are worn with socks to prevent slipping or discomfort. Avoid wearing shoes that are too flat or lack support, as they won’t give you the stability needed during your exercises.

To sum it up, the best way to dress for physical therapy is to wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows you to move freely, along with supportive footwear. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, knee pain, or something else, choosing the right outfit will help ensure you get the most out of your session. Now, let’s dive into some specific recommendations based on different types of injuries or issues you might be facing!

Ready To Get Help With Physical Therapy?

If you’re fed up of being in pain and want to get back to doing what you love pain-free, we’re here to help!

Simply call: 949-597-2103 or fill out our quick form and tell us what’s going on. Click here to fill out the form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Andrew Vertson
Latest posts by Andrew Vertson (see all)

You Might Also Like...