Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physiotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in orthopedics and hospital treatment.

Mohamad Hassan, PT, DPT, diagnoses neuromuscular and orthopedic diseases, including sprains, strains, and postoperative fractures and tears. 

If you are unable to function normally after surgery, injury or illness, you may work with a physical therapist during your recovery. If you are referred to physical therapy (PT), you may have many questions about what to expect and how to prepare.

A question people often ask before participating in physical therapy is: "What should I wear when I make an appointment for physical therapy?" Does it make sense? You want to wear the appropriate physiotherapy suit according to your situation. In this way, your appointment can proceed smoothly and you can quickly reach your treatment goals.

If you are in a hospital, a physical therapist may come to your room while you are recovering. So, what to wear to the PT is the same hospital gown that you are already wearing. Your therapist will ensure that you are properly covered during treatment.

But what about outpatient treatment? Sometimes exercise or application of heat, cold or electrical stimulation. What clothes should you wear in an outpatient physical therapy course for exercise and other treatments?

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If your upper body is injured, such as your neck, shoulders, arms or back, you will need to wear clothes at the PT appointment in order to enter and move these areas. For neck pain, make sure you wear a T-shirt so that your therapist can see your neck and upper back. If you have long hair, please bring a headband.

If you have a shoulder injury, you should be prepared to take off your shirt so that your therapist can examine your shoulders, upper back (including the shoulder blades), and arms. If you have breasts, you should wear a sports bra. (If you feel uncomfortable taking off your shirt, if you are wearing a T-shirt with your shoulders exposed, your therapist may conduct an examination.)

To repair an injury to your arm, wrist, or hand, be sure to wear a loose shirt, exposing your arm. It is not recommended to wear tight-fitting shirts, such as those made of Lycra, because if you wear tight-fitting shirts, your therapist may not be able to effectively evaluate and treat your problems.

If you have a back injury, be sure to wear a T-shirt, sports bra, and shorts or pants with an elastic waistband. Your therapist may need to lower your pants slightly to visualize your lower spine or pelvis. (You should always feel comfortable. It is inappropriate for anyone to touch you in a way you don't want.)

When you participate in PT, your therapist will check your movements. Exercise can be prescribed, and treatments can be applied to your body, such as ice or heat. Wearing the right clothes can make your treatment experience positive.

If you have lower extremity problems, what clothes to wear when planning physical therapy is essential. Your PT garment should allow you to move and exercise freely, while allowing your therapist to visualize and palpate (check with touch) your back, hips, knees, and legs if necessary.

If you have hip pain, then your therapist should be able to move and see your spine and hips. It's best to wear shorts. You may need to wear shorts with an elastic waistband. Avoid wearing tights that cannot exercise adequately.

For knee conditions, wearing shorts is important. Although wearing tights may be popular, they may not be easy to roll up. You want to make sure that your therapist can see and palpate your knees, thighs and calves.

Problems such as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the soles of the feet) or sprained ankles may be improved with the skilled services of a physical therapist. If your foot or ankle is injured, be sure to wear socks and shoes at the PT appointment. Your therapist may watch you wearing shoes and walking barefoot. (It is also a good idea to wear socks to absorb sweat and odors when attending physical therapy.)

For any lower extremity disease, you can do some light or heavy exercise during PT. It is recommended to wear sports shoes or sneakers. Avoid wearing open-toed sandals or casual light footwear (such as Crocs) during treatment. Never wear high heels to your PT date.

Shorts or loose pants with a belt

When preparing a PT appointment, be sure to consider your specific situation. If your hip is injured, be prepared to expose your hip. If your neck is injured, make sure your therapist can see and touch your neck. Remember that you may be exercising, so please wear loose and comfortable clothes so that you can move around freely.

If you leave work or participate in formal events, please ask the PT office staff if there is a locker room that you can use. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing any dangling jewelry when dating. Necklaces or bracelets may get in the way.

By doing some planning before your PT appointment, you can be sure to wear the right clothes for your recovery. This way you can feel comfortable and focus more on recovery and normal activities.

Although clothing recommendations may vary depending on the type of physical therapy you participate in, wearing loose, flexible clothing and sports shoes is generally a safe choice. If you are not sure whether the clothes you plan to wear are suitable, you can call your physical therapy office to ask.

Remember, you may exercise and may sweat. If you are leaving your job and need to change, make sure that your therapist's office has a place for you to do so.

It is important that you feel comfortable and safe during your physical therapy appointment. Wearing practical, breathable clothes can help you stay comfortable during training. Emotional comfort can also be prioritized by communicating openly with your physical therapist about your comfort in physical contact and undressing. This ensures that both of you respect everyone’s boundaries.

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