What to Wear to Physical Therapy: A Complete Guide

Many people focus on the treatment they’ll receive when preparing for a physical therapy appointment, but it’s just as important to think about what to wear to physical therapy. The right physical therapy outfit can make a significant difference in the comfort and effectiveness of your session, especially when you’re working through an injury. Whether you’re recovering from a foot or ankle injury, a lower-body injury, or an upper-body injury, selecting the appropriate clothing is essential for you and your physical therapist.

In this guide, we’ll help you decide what to wear to physical therapy by breaking down the best clothing options for different types of treatment. We’ll also cover the important factors to consider, such as appropriate footwear, comfort, and flexibility, to ensure you get the most out of your physical therapy sessions.

Why Does What You Wear Matter in Physical Therapy?

The right clothing is key to allowing your physical therapist to assess and treat the affected body part. Whether you’re experiencing pain or need to improve movement in your lower or upper body, physical therapy aims to help you perform exercises and stretches that can aid in your recovery. Wearing the wrong clothing could interfere with your therapist’s ability to assess the injury, perform manual therapy, or help you move comfortably through your exercises.

For example, if you’re wearing restrictive or tight clothing, your range of motion could be limited, preventing you from performing stretches or exercises properly. Similarly, wearing tight-fitting pants or dress shoes might make it harder to evaluate the injured area properly, especially if it’s in the lower body.

Key Clothing Considerations for Physical Therapy

When deciding what to wear to physical therapy, consider the type of therapy you’re undergoing, the area of your body being treated, and your comfort during the session. Here are a few important factors to think about:

Comfort and Movement

During your physical therapy treatment, you’ll be asked to perform a variety of movements, from gentle stretches to more vigorous exercises. Loose-fitting clothes are ideal for these movements, as they allow you to move freely. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting shorts, yoga pants, or workout pants that give you flexibility and room to move. The goal is to feel at ease while exercising, not restricted by clothing.

Proper Footwear

One of the most important aspects of your physical therapy outfit is your choice of appropriate footwear. Athletic or running shoes must be worn for foot or ankle injury treatment. These shoes offer proper support, cushioning, and stability, making it easier to perform walking exercises or other movements without straining your body.

Avoid wearing flip-flops, open-toed shoes, or dress shoes, as they do not provide enough support or stability for your physical therapy appointment. Proper footwear will also help your physical therapist perform their job effectively by assessing your mobility and the movement of your feet or legs.

Type of Injury

The type of injury you’re recovering from plays a big role in determining your outfit for the day. For example, if you’re recovering from a lower-body injury, like a knee or ankle injury, you’ll want to wear clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. Loose-fitting shorts or pants with an elastic waistband are ideal for lower-body injuries because they won’t restrict movement and are easy to adjust.

Loose T-shirts or tank tops are great choices if you’re dealing with an upper-body injury, such as a shoulder or neck injury. These tops allow your physical therapist to evaluate the affected area without obstruction.

Hair and Accessories

While it might seem like a small detail, wearing the right accessories or managing your hair appropriately is important for your therapy session. If you have long hair, it’s best to tie it back with a hair tie so that it doesn’t get in the way during exercises or physical touch from the physical therapist.

Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or business suits to your therapy appointments. Jewelry can interfere with exercises, especially if heavy or sharp, and business suits can be too restrictive to move comfortably during your session.

Layering for Comfort

Depending on the temperature of the therapy room, you might want to bring extra layers. A loose-fitting shirt or light jacket can provide comfort if you get cold after the physical therapy session. However, avoid wearing bulky layers that could hinder your movement or the therapist’s work.

Clothing Options for Specific Types of Therapy Sessions

Your attire may vary depending on the specific type of therapy you are undergoing. Here are a few suggestions based on common treatments:

For Lower Body Injuries

If you’re recovering from a foot or ankle injury or any lower-body injury, the key is flexibility and ease of access. Consider wearing:

• Elastic waistband workout pants or yoga pants: These pants provide a snug yet comfortable fit and are easy to move in. Look for pants that have a loose fit around the legs so they don’t restrict your mobility.
• Loose shorts: If it’s warm outside or you’re comfortable wearing shorts, choose a pair of loose-fitting shorts that allow your physical therapist to assess the injured area easily.
• Athletic shoes: To prevent foot or ankle injuries, wear athletic shoes that provide proper support. Sneakers that fit well are essential for walking exercises or stability drills.
• Avoid sandals or flip flops: These types of footwear do not offer the support you need and can hinder your ability to complete your therapy sessions effectively.

For Upper Body Injuries

If your injury involves the upper body, such as a shoulder or neck injury, your physical therapy appointment will likely require access to your arms and shoulders. Here’s what you should wear:

• Loose-fitting t-shirts or tank tops allow your physical therapist to easily assess and treat the upper body area without any restrictions. A sports bra underneath can provide added comfort if you wear a tank top.
• Workout pants or shorts: Depending on the injury, you may also want to wear workout pants or loose shorts for comfort. Be sure that whatever you choose allows you to move freely.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight-fitting shirts or pants will restrict your movement and could cause discomfort during the exercises.

Preparing for Your First Physical Therapy Session

You might be wondering the best way to prepare for your first physical therapy session. Here are some tips to ensure your initial appointment goes smoothly:

• Dress comfortably: Choose a physical therapy outfit that allows you to move freely and gives easy access to the treated area.
• Wear proper footwear: Athletic shoes or sneakers are generally the best option for your first appointment. Make sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable.
• Bring extra clothes: If you’re unsure how your body will feel after the session, it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes or extra socks in case you get sweaty or want to freshen up.
• Avoid restrictive clothing: Make sure your outfit doesn’t limit your range of motion. This will help you and the therapist focus on your session without interruptions.

What to Avoid Wearing to Physical Therapy

While it’s important to choose the right clothes for comfort and accessibility, there are certain items you should avoid. Here’s a quick list of things to steer clear of:

• Tight clothing: Clothes that fit too tightly, such as tight-fitting pants or restrictive clothing, can make it difficult to move and limit one’s range of motion.
• Dress shoes: Dress shoes aren’t suitable for physical therapy because they don’t offer the proper support and could make your exercises more challenging.
• Heavy jewelry: Jewelry can get in the way during exercises, so it’s best to leave anything bulky or excessive at home.
• Open-toed shoes: Open-toed shoes or sandals don’t offer the right support, which can interfere with your ability to perform exercises safely.

Conclusion

Knowing what to wear to physical therapy is a simple but important step in ensuring you can focus on healing without discomfort or unnecessary restrictions. The right clothing, such as athletic shoes, loose-fitting clothes, and workout pants, helps you move freely during exercises and allows your physical therapist to assess the injury effectively. By following these tips and considering the type of therapy, injury, and comfort level, you’ll be well-prepared for a productive and successful physical therapy session.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561514/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-wear-to-physical-therapy

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-wear-to-physical-therapy-5207804