The appropriate clothing for a physical therapy session directly influences the success of your treatment. Selecting the right attire ensures you can perform necessary exercises with a full range of motion. It also facilitates the physical therapist’s ability to perform an accurate evaluation, which involves visually assessing movement and utilizing manual techniques. Prioritizing garments that allow for both comfort and accessibility will help make your appointments productive and focused on recovery.
The Verdict on Leggings
The question of whether leggings are acceptable for physical therapy has a qualified answer: they are often suitable, provided they offer sufficient flexibility and are not excessively restrictive. Flexible athletic leggings, such as those made from spandex or a stretchy synthetic blend, are generally permissible because they allow for unhindered movement during exercises.
The potential difficulty arises when leggings are made from thick, highly compressive material. Extreme compression can obscure the therapist’s view of subtle muscle movements and hinder their ability to perform palpation (assessment by touch). Furthermore, compression garments may be challenging to adjust or roll up, which is often required for treatments involving the knee or ankle. If your leggings prevent the therapist from accessing the area being treated, you will likely be asked to change into a more suitable garment.
Matching Attire to the Treatment Area
The most significant factor determining your clothing choice is the specific body part being treated. Your therapist needs unimpeded access to the injury site and surrounding joints to observe movement mechanics and apply manual treatment techniques.
Lower Body Treatment
For treatments targeting the hip, knee, or ankle, the ideal attire is shorts or loose-fitting pants that can be easily rolled up above the joint. Shorts are often the most practical choice for lower-extremity issues, allowing the therapist to assess your gait and perform exercises without obstruction. If you wear leggings for a knee issue, they must be flexible enough to be pulled up to the mid-thigh so the therapist can fully visualize the joint and surrounding musculature.
Upper Body Treatment
When receiving therapy for an upper-body concern, such as the shoulder or neck, a loose-fitting tank top or a t-shirt is necessary. This allows the therapist to examine the shoulder girdle, scapular movement, and the cervical spine. Women often find a sports bra preferable to a standard bra, as it permits greater access to the upper back and shoulder blades for hands-on treatment and posture analysis. For lower back treatment, a loose top that can be easily lifted or adjusted, paired with pants that have an elastic waistband, is helpful for visualizing the lower spine and pelvis.
General Rules for Physical Therapy Clothing
Beyond the main garment, several other guidelines help ensure a safe and effective physical therapy session.
Footwear
The choice of footwear is important, and you should always wear closed-toe athletic shoes that provide support and stability. Sneakers or cross-trainers are recommended, as they offer the necessary grip for balance work and allow the therapist to accurately assess your natural gait pattern. Avoid wearing sandals, boots, or any shoe with an open toe or a raised heel, as these can compromise stability and limit your participation in many exercises.
Fabric and Accessories
The fabric of your clothing should ideally be breathable and moisture-wicking to manage body temperature and perspiration during exercise. Materials like cotton or synthetic athletic blends are superior to stiff, non-stretchy fabrics like denim or heavy corduroy, which restrict movement and cause discomfort. Minimize accessories and jewelry that could interfere with machines or movement. Dangling necklaces, large earrings, or restrictive bracelets should be removed before the session to prevent them from getting caught during exercises or manual therapy. Avoiding excessive metal hardware on clothing, such as large zippers or buttons, also increases comfort during exercises performed while lying down.