What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful physical therapy visit!

Ideal Clothing for Physical Therapy

Athletic Wear: Choose clothing that is designed for movement, such as workout gear. Think of comfortable, stretchy fabrics that allow a full range of motion. Examples include:

  • T-shirts or tank tops: These are great for upper-body assessments or exercises. A breathable cotton or moisture-wicking fabric will keep you comfortable and cool if perspiring.
  • Sweatpants or athletic shorts: Aim for bottoms that are easy to move in and breathable. Stretchy, form-fitting pants like yoga pants or leggings are excellent choices for women, while men can wear for shorts or athletic joggers.
  • Supportive shoes: Sneakers are your best bet! A sturdy, comfortable pair with good arch support is essential, especially if you need to do weight-bearing exercises or walking drills. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or heels of any kind, as they lack the support necessary for therapy.

Layers: Depending on the temperature in the therapy room or if you need to move from one area to another, layers can be helpful. A lightweight hoodie or jacket can easily be removed if it’s too warm or added if the room is chilly. Just make sure the layers don’t restrict your range of motion!

Sports Bras or Compression Tops: For women, a well-fitted sports bra or compression top provides support during movement. These types of garments prevent discomfort and ensure that you can move without restriction, especially during exercises that involve jumping or stretching.

Items to Avoid Wearing to Physical Therapy

While choosing comfortable, functional clothing is essential, there are a few items that can interfere with your therapy session. Be mindful of what you wear to ensure you’re maximizing your recovery.

  • Tight, Restrictive Clothing: Avoid wearing jeans, skirts, dresses, or anything that is too tight or restrictive. These clothes hinder your mobility and may prevent your therapist from observing your movements fully. For instance, skinny jeans or trousers can limit your ability to squat or perform stretches. Instead, opt for looser-fitting, flexible clothing that lets you move freely.
  • Jewelry or Accessories: It’s best to leave the jewelry at home or wear minimal accessories. Large necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings can get in the way, especially during upper-body exercises or when using equipment. Additionally, jewelry can become a distraction or even cause injury, so it’s better to keep it simple.
  • Heavy Layers or Coats: Although it’s important to have layers for warmth, heavy coats or thick outerwear can be cumbersome. You’ll likely be asked to remove them before your session begins, so it’s better to wear a lighter jacket or hoodie to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Dressing appropriately for physical therapy can improve your experience and ensure your therapist can evaluate and guide your recovery effectively. Stick to clothing that allows for easy movement, supports your body, and doesn’t restrict your exercises. Comfortable, breathable athletic wear is your best bet! Tight clothes, heavy shoes, and unnecessary accessories should be avoided. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can focus on what matters most – your recovery!

Sheltering Arms Institute has licensed physical therapists who can treat a variety of conditions and diagnoses. To schedule an evaluation, contact us online or call (804) 764-1000.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries. Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles.

Managing and Preventing Incontinence with Physical Therapy

More than 25 million adult Americans suffer from incontinence. Men and women are often embarrassed to seek treatment for loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause low self-esteem, create social isolation, and impair quality of life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. There are two major types of incontinence and they are treated differently.

Reduce Pain With These 5 Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately 14 million people in the United States have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Over time, the cartilage on the bones that form our knees begins to wear away; this causes inflammation, which we refer to as osteoarthritis. As the disease progresses, it can affect surrounding muscle, tendon, and ligaments, therefore, contributing to significant pain and dysfunction.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Spinal Cord Injury: Innovative Upper Extremity Weight-Bearing Recovery

When you think of body weight support systems in physical rehab, walking probably comes to mind first. But did you know this technology can also transform arm, shoulder, and core recovery after a spinal cord injury? This high-intensity training helps build upper body strength, manage spasticity, improve posture, and boost overall endurance! Learn how we use advanced body weight support technology at Sheltering Arms Institute to help patients safely practice arm weight-bearing and how innovative technology is changing SCI therapy.

How Speech Therapy Can Help Your Cognition

After a stroke or brain injury, everyday thinking skills like memory, attention, and planning can feel overwhelming. Because these skills directly support how we communicate, SLPs use targeted strategies to help patients regain confidence and daily independence. Learn how cognitive-communication therapy can help.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.