Individuals with difficulty with normal functional mobility after surgery, injury, or illness may be referred to physical therapy during recovery. A common question patients have before treatment is: What should they wear to the physical therapy appointment?
What To Wear To Physical Therapy?
Individuals referred to physical therapy usually have questions about what to expect and how to prepare. What to wear is a common question and is important because patients want to wear the right physical therapy outfit for their specific condition and feel comfortable and safe at their physical therapy appointments. A treatment plan may include exercise and stretching. Clothing recommendations may vary slightly depending on the type of physical therapy the patient is receiving; it is recommended to wear:
Athletic wear like t-shirts, shorts, yoga pants, and comfortable shoes like sneakers.
Sometimes, exercises are performed, and modalities such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation are applied.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing allows for a full range of motion and easy access to the affected area.
Physical Therapy
The therapist will examine the patient’s mobility and flexibility.
Exercises may be prescribed, and therapeutic modalities, like ice or heat, may be applied.
Wearing the right clothing can make the therapy experience highly effective and productive.
This way, therapy sessions go smoothly, and there is a level of comfort and confidence to reach goals quickly.
Upper Body Neck, Shoulders, Arms, Back
For upper body injuries, wear clothing that provides access and mobility to the areas affected, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, or back.
For neck pain, wear a shirt that allows the therapist to see the neck, shoulders, and upper back, such as a loose, open T-shirt with a scoop neck, V-neck, or tank top.
For long hair, bring a hair tie.
Women are recommended to wear a sports bra.
For an arm, wrist, or hand injury, wear a loose-fitting shirt with the arms exposed.
Tight shirts like those made from Lycra are not advisable because the therapist cannot effectively evaluate and treat the injury if the patient wears something tight.
Lower Body, Hips, Legs, Knees
For lower extremity problems and injuries, wear clothing that allows free movement to exercise while allowing the therapist to visualize and examine the back, hips, knees, and legs.
Wear a T-shirt, sports bra, and shorts or pants with an elastic waistband for back, lower spine, or pelvis injuries.
For hip pain, the therapist should be able to see and adjust the spine and hips.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants that don’t allow for full movement.
Shorts with an elastic waistband are recommended.
Leggings may not roll up easily.
Feet and Ankles
For a foot or ankle injury, the therapist will want to observe the patient walk in shoes and bare feet for conditions like plantar fasciitis or ankle sprains. For any lower extremity condition, expect some light or heavy exercise. Wear socks to absorb sweat and odor and sneakers or athletic shoes. Avoid open-toed sandals, high heels, or casual lightweight footwear like Crocs.
Other Considerations
Avoid
Bracelets and necklaces
Turtleneck shirts
Tight-fitting long-sleeved shirts
Leggings
Sandals
When preparing for appointments, consider your specific condition. Remember that you will likely be exercising, so wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move around freely. If you are coming directly from work or a formal event, ask the office staff if there is a changing room that you can use. It may also be a good idea to avoid wearing dangling jewelry. A necklace or bracelet may get in the way, so be prepared to remove it for your appointments. Therapists can also use draping with towels or pillowcases/sheets to help you feel comfortable when certain body areas are exposed. That way, you can be relaxed and more able to focus on recovery and rehabilitation to return to normal activities.
Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic
If you are unsure if what you plan to wear is appropriate, call the office and ask. If you’re leaving work and need to change, make sure your therapist’s office has a place for you to do that. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Unlocking Pain Relief: How We Assess Motion To Alleviate Pain
Relaxing the low back muscles. The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility. The lumbar spine/low back is a complex structure of interconnecting:
Bones
Joints
Nerves
Ligaments
Muscles
All work together to provide support, strength, and flexibility.
However, this complex structure is highly susceptible to injury and pain. The muscles in the low back support the spinal column and are responsible for flexing, rotating the hips when walking. The nerves in the low back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet. The most common acute low back pain cases are brought on from injury to the:
Muscles
Ligaments
Joints
Discs
The body also reacts to injury by triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation can cause severe pain. The key is relaxing the muscles and keeping them loose.
Lower back pain causes
The most common cause is muscle spasms, which can be triggered by:
Quick awkward movements like twisting, reaching, and/or bending at the wrong angle can set off pain symptoms.
If the same back muscles are getting strained and/or pulled continuously, this could indicate an underlying problem with a misaligned vertebra.
Correct improper postures
Improper posture and body positioning eventually present with discomfort and pain. Individuals are constantly hunched over and slumped in front of computers and devices, along with sitting with crossed legs, sleeping on a non-supportive mattress, and there is a perfect recipe for low back pain. Adjusting sitting, desk, and computer ergonomics and using smart devices with posture awareness will go a long way to correct improper posture.
Stretch and loosen tight muscles
Stretch out throughout the day and before going to bed. Sitting all day at work, then going home and sitting all evening is not healthy for the body’s muscles. The muscles shorten, as do the ligaments and tendons. Stretching keeps the body loose and limber. Try out different forms of stretching, as well as foam rolling for the back.
Get the body moving
Cramped or pulled muscles need time to recover. Too much rest or being completely inactive makes sense but is not recommended. Light movement keeps the blood flowing, especially in and around the injured/sore area. This increases healing and shortens recovery time. Just some light walking is recommended. Getting up and moving while relaxing around the house will get the muscles back in shape.
Body Composition
Benefits of collagen
Gastrointestinal Health
Collagen generates a protective barrier effect on the intestinal mucosa that lines the digestive tract. One study found that collagen supplementation protects against the breakdown of the intestinal wall after a burn injury. A lack of collagen from aging or other factors could impair the structure of the intestinal mucosa. This could lead to digestive problems like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
Joint Health and Mobility
Collagen provides structure and cushion in the joints. As the body ages, the cushion wears down, and joint mobility decreases. This increases the risk of injury. Taking collagen supplements can help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.
References
Finta, Regina et al. “The effect of diaphragm training on lumbar stabilizer muscles: a new concept for improving segmental stability in the case of low back pain.” Journal of pain research vol. 11 3031-3045. 28 Nov. 2018, doi:10.2147/JPR.S181610
Lugo, James P et al. “Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Nutrition journal vol. 15 14. 29 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pain: Hope Through Research. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Pain-Hope-Through-Research. June 9, 2017.
Hypermobility Syndrome is a condition of the joints. Characterized by the ability of the joint to move beyond its normal range of motion and is sometimes called �loose joints� or �double jointed.� It is typically a genetic disorder and often identified in children. The gene passes from parent to child, so the condition tends to run in families. Estimated that 10 to 15 percent of children who are otherwise considered to be normal have joints that are hypermobile. However, it can be found in all ages and does not seem to be confined to a particular age group, ethnic group, or population although there are more cases of girls being hypermobile than boys.
Hypermobility Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hypermobility can vary widely from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms while others have muscle and joint pain along with mild swelling. Usually noted in the evening or later afternoon as well as after moderate physical activity or exercise. The most common areas for pain and achiness are the elbows, knees, thigh muscle, and calf muscle. Often rest will provide relief.
A person who is hypermobile is usually more prone to soft tissue injuries and sprains. Additionally, the affected joints may be more inclined to become dislocated. It can also cause back pain, impaired joint position sense, and even flat feet, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders. Other symptoms include increased bruising, chronic pain, loose skin, and thin scars. Children and young people who are hypermobile often experience growing pains more often than other children.
Most children will grow out of hypermobility; their joints will lose some of their flexibility as they get older along with the symptoms of rarely persist beyond childhood although some adults do find that they get dislocations and sprains much easier.
Causes of Hypermobility
The exact cause of hypermobility is not known, although it does seem to run in families. Genes play a large part in the process, particularly those involved in collagen production which is a vital protein for tendon, joint, and ligament development and function. There are also several�associated�conditions. Genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan have hypermobility as a component as does Down Syndrome.
Hypermobility Treatment
Treatment for hypermobility depends on the patient. It depends on the symptoms that they are experiencing as well as the severity and how much of an impact the condition has on their quality of life. Mild symptoms may not require any treatment while more moderate to severe symptoms may warrant medication like naproxen, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for pain. All of which,�can be bought over the counter.
Patients can ward off many of the symptoms or eliminate them by engaging in regular exercise, protecting the joints, practicing good posture, muscle strengthening exercises, and balancing techniques. Orthotics to correct flat feet can also be beneficial.
Chiropractic for Hypermobility
Many people use chiropractic for hypermobility pain and discomfort. The doctor will use adjustments to bring the joints into the appropriate movement pattern and the body into proper alignment, allowing the body to function as it should and relieves stress from joints that were compensating due to misalignment.
The patient may also be advised to do specific exercises at home, and get counseling on improving their posture. Because chiropractic treats the entire body, the patient will find that they learn how to best live with the condition without medication and manage pain naturally. Patients report dramatic improvement in their distress and mobility after regular, consistent chiropractic visits.
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