Starting physiotherapy for the first time often comes with questions, including what kind of clothing is best for your appointment. You might be wondering whether athletic gear is required or if you need to dress a certain way for treatments like acupuncture or manual therapy. At Beverly Physiotherapy, we want your first visit to feel welcoming, comfortable, and stress-free. Knowing what to wear for physiotherapy can help you feel more confident and get the most out of your session right from the start.
Why What You Wear Matters in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy involves a range of hands-on treatments and movement-based exercises designed to improve your strength, flexibility, and function. Your physiotherapist may need to access certain areas of the body, such as your shoulder, knee, or back, for assessment, manual therapy, or treatment modalities. That’s why choosing the right clothing can make your session smoother and more effective.
For example, wearing loose-fitting pants or shorts allows easier access to your knees or hips. A tank top or T-shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up makes it easier to assess shoulder mobility. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need to expose an area of your body, don’t worry—we can provide shorts or gowns at the clinic to ensure you stay comfortable and covered.
What To Wear for Common Physiotherapy Treatments
For most physiotherapy appointments, opt for comfortable, stretchy, and breathable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Activewear like joggers, leggings, athletic shorts, and T-shirts is ideal. Footwear is also important—bring supportive athletic shoes if you are going to be doing gait training or using exercise equipment like the treadmill or bike.
If you’re coming in for an area-specific issue, here are a few examples to help guide your outfit:
- Shoulder or upper back treatment: A loose T-shirt, tank top, or sports bra that allows access to the affected area.
- Knee or hip therapy: Shorts or loose pants that can be rolled above the knee without being too tight are ideal.
- Lower back pain: Comfortable, elastic-waist pants or leggings and a top that allows access to your lower spine will work best.
For treatments like acupuncture, which can be integrated with physiotherapy at our clinic, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothes to allow easy access to common acupuncture points. If you’re curious about how this service works, our post on acupuncture and physiotherapy breaks down the experience in more detail.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
When you arrive for your initial session at Beverly Physiotherapy, we’ll begin with a thorough assessment. Your physiotherapist will ask about your medical history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. A physical evaluation follows, where we assess range of motion, strength, balance, and mobility to determine the root cause of your issue.
After the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain the recommended treatment approach, which may include guided exercises, manual therapy, or modalities like TENS, heat therapy, or acupuncture. Appointments usually last about 45 minutes to one hour, so wear something you’ll be comfortable moving and sitting in for that duration.
You can learn more about what to expect during your session by reading our post, What is Physiotherapy?, which offers a helpful introduction to how this service works and who it can benefit.
Additional Tips for Your Visit
You don’t need to bring much, but a few small preparations can help you get the most from your visit. If you have a doctor’s referral, diagnostic imaging results, or an insurance claim number, bring that information with you. We also offer direct billing to many private insurers, as well as to WCB and MPI, so bring your insurance card if you’d like us to check your coverage.
If you’re wondering whether your appointment is covered, keep in mind that Manitoba Health only covers physiotherapy in private clinics for hip and knee replacements (as of January 1, 2023). For all other patients, coverage typically depends on private insurance or third-party payers. View our complete list of fees and insurance information.
Creating a Comfortable Experience
At Beverly Physiotherapy, we understand that new experiences can be nerve-wracking, especially when pain or mobility issues are involved. Our clinic is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, with a strong focus on patient comfort. From your very first appointment, our team will take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If dressing for therapy is a concern, just remember: the goal is to feel relaxed and unrestricted. You don’t need to purchase anything new or specific—just wear something comfortable that allows easy movement and access to the area being treated. We’ll take care of the rest.
