Advice guide
What To Wear and What To Bring To a Physio Appointment
Nobody wants to arrive for a first appointment in the wrong clothes. Physiotherapy assessment involves watching how you move and examining the affected area, so the practical answer is loose clothing you can move in that allows access to the part that hurts. Here is the detail by body area, plus what is worth bringing with you.
What to wear by body area
The aim is that you can move normally and we can see the joint we are assessing without you feeling uncomfortable.
- Lower back, hip or groin: shorts or loose tracksuit bottoms, plus a top you are comfortable moving in
- Knee or ankle: shorts, and bring trainers if running or walking is part of the problem
- Shoulder, neck or elbow: a vest top or t shirt that allows access to the shoulder
- Anything gym or sport related: bring the footwear you actually train in
- Avoid jeans, restrictive belts and stiff work trousers where you can
Privacy, dignity and chaperones
You are never expected to undress beyond what you are comfortable with. We explain what we would like to examine and why, and ask before we start. Towels and gowns are available, and you are welcome to bring someone with you or to request a chaperone. If you would prefer not to have an area examined, tell us and we will work around it.
What to bring
A few things make the first appointment more productive, particularly if your problem has a history.
- A list of current medication and any relevant medical conditions
- Any scan or clinic letters you already have, or the dates if you do not have copies
- Your insurer details and authorisation code if you are claiming
- Orthotics, braces or supports you currently use
- Trainers or work boots if footwear is relevant to your problem
Practical points before you arrive
Arrive a few minutes early so paperwork does not eat into assessment time. Eat normally, and take your usual pain relief if you would normally take it, since being in extreme pain makes examination harder. It is helpful to think in advance about when the problem started, what makes it worse and what you want to get back to doing.
What happens if you are not comfortable
Tell us. Assessment is a conversation, not a procedure done to you. We can adapt the examination, slow it down, or leave part of it for a later visit if you would rather.
Common questions
Do I have to undress?
Only as far as you are comfortable, and only for the area being assessed. Shorts and a t shirt cover most appointments.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a relative or friend, and you can request a chaperone.
Should I bring my scan results?
If you have them, yes. They add context, though treatment decisions are based mainly on your assessment.
Can I come straight from work?
Yes, and many people do. Bringing something looser to change into makes the assessment easier.
What if I am on my period or feeling unwell?
Just let us know. We can adapt the session or rearrange it, whichever suits you better.