Physical therapy sessions require active movements and targeted exercises, so choosing the right physical therapy clothing can significantly impact your comfort and performance. Wearing suitable physical therapy attire helps ensure that you can move freely and that your therapist can assess and work with your muscles and joints effectively. Here's a guide to what to wear to physical therapy to get the most out of your appointments.
Why does your Physical Therapy Attire Matters?
Wearing suitable physical therapy clothing is vital while you attend a physiotherapy session. The right attire opens up the path to comfort and mobility and has a positive effect on the range of motion. So, what should you wear to a physical therapy appointment? Let's understand this in more detail –
Comfort
Comfortable physical therapy attire lets your body move freely. Don't wear clothes that are too tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable, as they can obstruct your ability to perform daily tasks and movements. It is best to opt for loose-fitting clothing items like leggings, yoga pants, or loose pants to let your body feel flexible and comfortable, especially if you are having lower body pain, back injuries, or hip discomfort.
Breathability
Taking the fabric quality into account is also important. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials to keep yourself comfortable and dry during physiotherapy sessions. A popular example of a flexible fabric is athletic spandex. Also, pay attention to the comfort of your undergarments as they provide necessary support during physiotherapy sessions, especially during upper body exercises. Wearing comfortable and breathable clothing is a must to reap the maximum benefits from the exercises.
Fit
Clothes should fit closely enough to avoid snagging or interference but allow easy movement and flexibility. Before choosing that, consider your specific treatment plan and condition.
Safety
Well-chosen physical therapy clothing prevents accidents, such as slipping or tripping, and enables your therapist to see and work with your body's alignment, ensuring safe and effective treatment. This is particularly beneficial if you're focusing on neck issues, where precision in movement is key.
Outfit Recommendations for Physiotherapy Session
What should you wear to a physical therapy appointment? Whatever it is, it should allow your therapist easy access to the areas being treated while supporting your comfort and mobility. Here's a breakdown of recommended physical therapy attire for different areas of focus –
Upper Body (Neck, Shoulder, Arms, Back)
The upper body includes shoulder, arms, neck, and back injuries. If you have a neck injury, or you want to get rid of knot in your neck wear a loose fitted top to expose the injured area or to easily move it. Besides, if you have a shoulder injury, it is ideal to wear sleeveless or loose tops to relieve shoulder blade pain. Also, you must know what to avoid wearing. Don't wear tight, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, dress shirts, or restrictive clothes.
Lower Body (Hips, Legs, Knees, Feet, Ankle)
What should you wear to physical therapy when it comes to the lower body? For hips and legs, wear stretchy and loose-fitting shorts. Don't wear long trousers which are difficult to roll up. Socks and athletic shoes are a wise choice for foot and ankle injuries. Avoid wearing joggers, skirts, or jeans in a physical therapy session.
Footwear
Wear athletic shoes whenever you are going for a physical therapy session to protect your feet and provide stability during exercises. Avoid sandals or any footwear with heels; opt for sneakers or running shoes that offer good support and traction to ensure safe movement.
Body Part | Recommended Clothing |
Upper Body | T-shirt, tank top, or sleeveless shirt |
Lower Body | Stretchy leggings, workout shorts, or pants |
Footwear | Athletic sneakers or running shoes |
What to Wear to a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?
Wear loose-fitting pants for your pelvic floor physiotherapy session. Your therapist may also recommend wearing comfortable shorts or stretchy yoga pants to allow for ease of access while maintaining your comfort.
Book your pelvic floor physiotherapy in Brampton and check if they have any specific recommendations for clothing to help facilitate optimal movement. You can even contact us to learn more about it and let your pain be treated with a tailored treatment plan designed by our experts.
Accessories to Avoid During Physiotherapy
While deciding what to wear for physiotherapy, you should also look into what accessories you must avoid when you are going for a physiotherapy session –
Don't wear necklaces or bracelets, as they can hinder the treatment process.
Jewelry doesn't allow the therapist to work effectively and limits the patient's range of motion.
Restrictive clothes, belts, and watches also hinder the treatment process.
Although it's tempting to listen to music, it's best to stay fully focused and attentive to your therapist's instructions. So, don't wear headphones.
Conclusion
Selecting what to wear to physical therapy not only enhances your comfort but also supports effective treatment and safety. Remember to focus on breathable, flexible, and non-restrictive clothing and avoid any accessories that could limit your range of motion. Following these guidelines ensures you're ready to make the most of each session and accelerate your recovery journey.
For more support on physical therapy, visit RMT Movement and book your appointment for physiotherapy in Brampton for a healthier and more active life.
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