What Should I Wear To My First Appointment?

What should I wear to appointment


It’s really common for those visiting a physio, sports therapist or sports massage practitioner to be a bit apprehensive about what you should wear to your first appointment.

In order to do a thorough assessment ideally your physio will need to be able to clearly see the area where you are getting your pain and place their hands on it to identify any changes in the tissues around that area such as swelling, heat, stiffness and trigger points in the muscles, as well as to do some hands-on treatment.


So what you need to wear will depend on where your pain is, here are few common examples:

  • If you have a neck, upper back or shoulder problem you will usually be asked to remove your top so we can clearly see your posture, however for ladies it’s absolutely fine to wear a strappy top or vest if you feel more comfortable like this.
  • Lower back problems can be linked to biomechanical issues with the lower limbs and your physio may need to check how your nerves in your legs are functioning so it’s a good idea to bring shorts, especially if you have pain radiating down the leg. You will usually be asked to remove or roll up your top so we can see your lower back too.
  • For hip, knee and ankle problems again a pair of shorts is a good idea or alternatively a loose skirt is fine for ladies. Tights, shoes and socks will need to be removed.
  • For elbow, wrist and hand problems a short sleeved top is usually fine.
  • If your issue is linked with a sport like running it’s also a great idea to bring along your running trainers, your physio may well get you on our treadmill to help them identify factors that could be contributing to your pain.

Here at go physio we understand it can be a little daunting to get undressed in our clinic rooms so we aim to be totally professional and will preserve your modesty with towels when needed. You may prefer to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment and get changed into shorts or strappy tops beforehand. We always ensure we have your consent too.

If you have any cultural or religious reasons for not wanting to remove an item of clothing that’s fine, just let us know and we will do our best to work around it.

If you would prefer to be seen by a male or a female physiotherapist let our reception team know when you are booking your first appointment and we will accommodate this.

Reviews

What They Say​

Antonia Perez
Antonia Perez
2023-11-25
We got an appointment promptly, the appointment went smoothly. Very nice physios. 👌
Fran Helen
Fran Helen
2023-11-06
Really knowledgeable and supportive, with clear advice to help. I feel so reassured after this appointment, highly recommended, they really listened to me. Thank you.
Brenda Hinnell
Brenda Hinnell
2023-10-27
First visit and in urgent need of physio as really suffering from not being able to run. Lottie was very patient and understanding with a lovely manner. She worked wonders and I am looking forward to my next visit.
James Grierson
James Grierson
2023-10-21
Great first appointment, really listened to my problems annd thorough anssessment and have come up with a clear rehab plan to get me back on track.
Nuisha Russo
Nuisha Russo
2023-10-21
I had a really good visit to GoPhysio. I have had sciatica for two months and it wasn't showing any signs of improvement. Sophie gave me a thorough assessment and then provided acupuncture and ultra sound. After one visit my sciatica has almost gone. I am really pleased.
kay luffman
kay luffman
2023-10-08
Everyone at go physio is so helpful & friendly. I have been receiving treatment for golfers elbow from Hannah Gelder, and couldn’t be happier, I wish I had gone earlier! She explains everything well, and guides you through exercises etc. very amiable and makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend
Chris Kitchen
Chris Kitchen
2023-10-07
They are a great friendly team who always manage to sort my sports injuries out. Can recommend them highly
Mark Dewey
Mark Dewey
2023-10-05
Go Physio definitely the place to go, came away feeling better and reassured and with a plan going forward.
Christine Raw
Christine Raw
2023-10-05
Very professional service and excellent treatment. Listened and gave good advice.
Kay Horton
Kay Horton
2023-10-05
I have been attending goPhysio for about two years. As a company they are very professional and provide a very good level of service to include efficiency and courtesy and are always consistent in their approach. This very much includes the admin /reception team whom are the first people you make contact with. My Physio has excellent knowledge and has assisted me with sound advice and ongoing exercise regimes which are achievable and realistic. This has supported me well in between appointments. Although always busy I am normally able to see Roz at a mutually convenient time. Thank you to all the team