What to Wear for Your Chiropractic Appointment
At Innerlux, we try to make convenience a priority for all of our patients. With that, we don't mind what you wear to your appointment! Other practices may desire certain attire, but we will always work with you no matter what you wear.
You’ve done the first step—booked your chiropractic appointment. Your schedule is cleared and you’re ready to address that nagging back pain or stiff neck. But as your appointment approaches, an all too common question arises.
“What am I supposed to wear?”
It might seem like a minor detail, but your choice of clothing can impact the quality of your assessment and treatment. Unlike a routine check-up, a chiropractic visit is more of a hands-on, movement-based experience.
It isn’t a make or break if you wear something that might be a bit more restrictive, but thinking about your outfit beforehand ensures you’re comfortable, prepared, and ready to get the most out of your session. So, let’s get into it!
Why Your Outfit Matters for a Chiropractic Visit
Your comfort is the top priority during a chiropractic visit. You’ll need to move freely and lie in various positions on the adjustment table, such as face up, face down, or on your side. Restrictive clothing like stiff denim or formal button-up shirts prevents you from moving easily and relaxing fully.
Our job as chiropractors is to make quality adjustments that fix alignment and kickstart your pain-free journey. It’s most helpful for us when your joints and muscles are relaxed. Think about if your waistband is digging in or you’re worried about splitting a seam, your body will instinctively tense up. It makes you uncomfortable and our adjustments are not as effective.
It certainly isn’t all about us, your chiropractors, but your attire does impact how we diagnose and treat you effectively. Our main goal is to treat you the best we can, helping you move and feel better. So, think about wearing thin, flexible material that allows us to get the accurate tactile feedback we need to best help you.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
In short, it’s most helpful if you dress as if you were going to a yoga class, the gym for a light workout, or to lounge comfortably at home.
For bottoms:
We recommend wearing yoga pants, leggings, joggers, sweatpants, or loose-fitting athletic pants. Athletic shorts are also a great option.
We advise against jeans, dress trousers, stiff khaki pants, skirts, and dresses. Denim is the most common offender, as it can be quite restrictive.
For tops:
We recommend wearing a comfortable t-shirt, a fitted athletic top, a tank top, or a long-sleeved stretch-fabric shirt.
We advise against stiff button-down shirts, blouses made of non-stretch material, bulky sweaters, or tops with a lot of zippers, buttons, or snaps on the back. A standard bra or sports bra are perfectly fine.
We will treat you with the highest quality of care regardless of the material you wear, but the more loose and flexible, the better.
Tips for Feeling Comfortable and Prepared
A little preparation goes a long way. If you're ever in doubt, follow these simple tips:
Choose breathable fabrics: While you probably won't work up a sweat, breathable fabrics like cotton or modern athletic blends tend to be softer and more flexible. They move with your body and avoid being too restrictive.
Opt for athletic or casual wear: “Athleisure” is the perfect chiropractic uniform. If you’d be comfortable relaxing on the couch wearing it, then we’re all for it!
Bring a change of clothes if you come from work: If you’re coming during a lunch break or on your way home, a quick change of clothes can be incredibly helpful.
By thoughtfully choosing your outfit, you remove any potential barrier to your care. You'll feel more relaxed, your doctor will be able to perform a more accurate assessment, and you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters: your health and well-being.
