Physical therapy is intended to assist people who have an abnormal physical function. Physical limitations caused by injuries, disabilities, sickness, or other problems may be remedied with the use of professional assistance or physical therapists to relieve discomfort or enable you to restore strength.
Preparing for your physical therapy appointments is important to get the greatest outcomes. Wearing the proper gear may make exercising simpler and more pleasant. Your physical therapist will also easily assess your injuries or pinpoint problem areas.
If you’re unsure what to dress when you arrive, physical therapists offer a few alternatives to their patients.
YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY CONSULTATION
At your first physical therapy appointment, a physical therapist will do an evaluation. You will be able to discuss your difficulties, objectives, and other concerns with professional experts. Together, you and your physical therapist may concentrate on determining the source of the issues you are experiencing.
Your physical therapist will utilize the evaluation results to decide the next steps in your recovery. After the assessment, you and your PT will formulate a strategy for what will come and how you might attain your objectives.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINATION?
- Palpation
- ROM stands for “range of motion.”
- Strength tests
- Mobility that works
- Balance
- Checks for neurological problems
During the exam, a physical therapist will tell you what to do and what to expect for each test. They are there to show you how to do the exercises, answer any questions, and ensure you stay safe. After the exam is done, you can begin your PT appointment treatment plan. During future visits, the plan may change based on how you feel and how well you can move. Other benchmark tests may also be done to track your progress.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
Your physical therapy visit will include extensive movement. It is essential to wear clothing that is breathable, comfortable, and designed for physical activity. Numerous individuals do not consider the damage they have when selecting apparel for an appointment. It is essential not to cover wounded regions with constricting garments. For instance, if you have knee discomfort you should wear to your physical therapy sports shorts instead of trousers.
Footwear selection is equally as crucial as clothes selection. Always remember that you will be engaging in strenuous activities that may necessitate shoes with closed toes. Wear tennis shoes or sneakers with socks to your visits to protect your safety. Your physical therapist needs to see your shoes at some time, depending on the nature of your injury; nonetheless, it is important to arrive prepared to comply with any request.
WOMEN’S CLOTHING ADVICE
- Wear loose or form-fitting shorts with an elastic waist. Wearing shorter shorts allows a PT to see the whole length of the legs.
- Wear a bra top (preferable), a sports bra with an open back, or a bikini top. Wearing racer-back sports bras or sports bras that cover the middle of the spine is not recommended. This is critical because the spine must be seen during scoliosis/kyphosis physical treatment.
Can I wear leggings to PT?
This is an excellent question! I get it all the time. And the answer is yes, you can wear leggings to physical therapy.
Physical therapists are often the first health professionals to see people with injuries or health problems that affect movement and mobility. The physical therapists will do a physical exam and then design an exercise program to help you recover from your injury or condition. You will usually see a physical therapist 3 to 7 times after your injury or condition starts. Physical therapists help people of all ages and physical abilities.
Recommendations FOR PATIENTS
If you have hip, knee, or ankle pain, your physical therapist will recommend that you wear shorts, and if you have shoulder pain, a shirt that allows access to your shoulder and arm. During your visit, you practice numerous workouts and activities. Wearing clothing that allows easy movement will make completing your assigned tasks easier. Physical therapists recommend asking questions about the activities you will do throughout your session. Ensure that you can squat, do a plank, and toss a ball in your chosen clothing before you depart for physical therapy. Your session may conclude with a cool-down consisting of icing your injury, so a jacket would be a smart option for any additional clothing you may like to bring.
HOW TO DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR SPECIFIC INJURY
Injuries to the upper body:
Physical therapists treat many upper body injuries. The shoulder is a popular treatment region for patients. Those who come in for shoulder treatment should wear a tank top or roomy t-shirt that offers your physical therapist easy access to work on you. Patients who wear fitting shirts, long sleeve shirts, and sweaters may have more difficulty healing upper body injuries during their physical therapy visits. If at all possible, avoid wearing these sorts of clothes.
Injuries to the lower body:
Lower body injuries are similar because it is simpler for physical therapists to treat your problem when your clothing is removed. Knee injuries are one of the most prevalent lower body ailments that people seek treatment for. Consider wearing shorts or a pair of trousers that can be pulled up like leggings if you’re unsure what to wear for a knee injury. Try not to wear thin jeans.
