What Should I Wear to Physical Therapy?
Did you know your outfit for physical therapy is important for to get a thorough evaluation and treatment?
It can also affect your ability to perform exercises with comfort and proper positioning.
Unlike other medical exams, you will NOT need to undress for physical therapy, but please dress based on the guidelines below.
We do have an area where you can change if you’re coming before or after work.
The following tips are from our doctors and patients to help you dress for success at physical therapy:
What to Wear to Physical Therapy
Wear something you can easily move around in - Here’s a test: Can you squat, do a plank or throw a ball in those clothes easily?
Wear layers to physical therapy – you may heat up during your exercises and literally cool down when icing your injury.
If you have an upper body injury:
When you dress for PT, make sure we can easily gain access to the area needing treatment.
For example, if you are coming in for your shoulder, please wear a tank top or baggy t-shirt. It’s not so easy for the therapist to work on you if you’re wearing a fitted sweater.
If you have a lower body injury:
Again, make sure your therapist can access the treatment area.
If you are coming in for your knee, please wear shorts or a pair of pants that can be rolled up like leggings. Have you ever tried pushing skinny jeans up over someone’s knee (lol)? We do have shorts on hand if you need them.
Proper footwear:
The best shoes for physical therapy are sneakers with socks!
What NOT to wear to physical therapy
Restrictive Clothing - Have you ever tried working out in jeans or a dress?
Unsupportive Shoes - Footwear like flip-flops, slip-ons or dress shoes aren’t a good choice for PT.
Lotion - If you apply lotion directly before your appointment, it can reduce the traction that the therapist needs for your treatment.