What Should You Wear to a Physio Appointment?

If you are preparing for your first physiotherapy appointment, you might be wondering whether you need to buy special clothing or expensive equipment.

The short answer is that you don’t need anything specific at all. In all likelihood, you already have suitable clothes hanging in your wardrobe right now. We want to ensure you feel prepared and can focus on what really matters: your recovery.

This guide will clarify what to wear and what to bring, so you can head to your appointment with confidence.

What should you wear to physiotherapy?

The golden rule for physiotherapy clothing is simple: comfort and accessibility. You do not need to invest in specialised sportswear or athletic gear.

The clothing you choose must allow you to move freely and, importantly, give your physiotherapist easy access to the areas of your body they need to assess and treat.

Items you might wear for gentle exercise at home—like joggers, tracksuit bottoms, loose t-shirts, or leggings—are all perfect choices.

• For upper body issues: If you are visiting us for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems, a short-sleeved shirt or vest top is ideal. This allows your physiotherapist to observe the movement of your shoulders and arms and assess your posture without clothing getting in the way.
• For lower body problems: When addressing knee, hip, or ankle issues, your clothing must provide easy access to your legs. Regular-length shorts or stretchy leggings are perfect. Tracksuit bottoms that can be easily rolled up also work well. We recommend avoiding restrictive items like tight jeans or formal trousers.
• A note on fabrics: Choose breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics if you have them. Physiotherapy sessions often involve gentle exercise, and you’ll want to remain comfortable.

What about footwear?

Your footwear choice is also important. Comfortable trainers or supportive shoes are recommended , as they provide stability during any standing exercises.

Select shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. Your physiotherapist may need to assess you walking barefoot or in socks to observe your gait.

It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of clean socks. Treatment rooms can sometimes feel cool when you’re shoeless, and comfortable socks mean you won’t be distracted.

Do I need to bring any special equipment?

This part is straightforward: you do not need to bring any equipment to your appointment.

At Recover Physio, our clinics are fully equipped with all the necessary tools for your treatment and exercises. This includes everything from resistance bands and exercise balls to more specialised rehabilitation equipment.

Following your assessment, your physiotherapist will design a home exercise programme for you. They may suggest you acquire simple tools for use at home, such as resistance bands, a foam roller, or stretching straps, but this will only be based on your specific advice and recovery plan.

What to bring to your appointment

The most valuable items you can bring to your appointment aren’t physical at all:

• Your commitment: Physiotherapy is a partnership. Your active engagement in the clinic and with your home exercises is essential for the best outcome.
• An open mind: Your physiotherapist might suggest exercises or movements that feel unfamiliar at first. Trust the process and their expertise.
• Your questions: If you’re unsure about any aspect of your condition or treatment, please ask. The more we understand your concerns, the better we can tailor your care.
• Relevant information: Details about your injury, any previous treatments you’ve tried, and other relevant medical history are very helpful.

Dressing for Different Types of Appointments

Your First Assessment

For your initial physiotherapy assessment, comfort is particularly important because your physiotherapist will be observing how you move naturally. Wear something that doesn’t alter your normal posture or gait.

This isn’t the time for your tightest jeans or most restrictive clothing. Your physiotherapist needs to see how your body moves when it’s not fighting against tight fabric.

Follow-Up Treatment Sessions

As your treatment progresses, you might find yourself doing more active exercises. The same comfortable clothing principles apply, but you might want to lean slightly more towards athletic wear as you become more active in your sessions.

Home Exercise Programmes

When we give you exercises to do at home, we’ll always consider what equipment you’re likely to have available. Most home programmes use bodyweight exercises, simple resistance bands or normal household items. We won’t expect you to turn your living room into a gym.

Final preparations and what not to worry about

We aim to make your physiotherapy experience as straightforward as possible.

• Changing facilities: If you’re coming straight from work, don’t worry. We have facilities where you can change clothes. Just ask at reception when you arrive.
• Comfort is key: If you’re not sure whether your outfit is appropriate, always err on the side of comfort. It’s better to be ready for movement than to feel restricted.
• Layers: If it’s cold outside, bring layers that you can easily remove once you’re in the warm clinic environment.
• Don’t stress about style: Please don’t worry about having the latest sportswear. Your physiotherapist has seen it all and is focused entirely on helping you get better, not judging your fashion choices. As long as your clothes are clean and allow you to move freely, they are perfect.