Back and joint pain is one of the most common ailments in the world today. It is said that perhaps 8 out of 10 people will experience some form of back pain during their lives.
According to statistics on the Good Body website, there are around 70,000 chiropractors in the USA today. These professionals help more than 35 million people in the states every year.
By the end of 2019, there were 3,299 practicing chiropractors in the UK, according to Statista.
It is clear then, that there is a significant demand for this type of service. However, despite their prominence, it can be somewhat unclear what a patient should wear when they attend their appointment.
To make things clearer, here are some key points to consider when choosing clothes for a visit to the chiropractor. And, also a short guide to clothing you should avoid.
How should you dress for a chiropractor appointment?
There are many causes to seek out a chiropractor. Usually, visits are made to relieve the pain felt in the back, knee, neck, and other joints. These troubles can transpire due to a wide variety of reasons.
A chiropractor in Louisville, KY or in your area can assess your condition and determine if chiropractic care is the right approach for your situation. In many cases, chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.
Their methods often involve manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine, aiming to improve function, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Besides common issues like back, knee, and neck pain and joint problems, individuals seek chiropractic care for a variety of reasons. Many people want to reduce headaches and migraines and correct poor posture.
Others want to alleviate stress and muscle tension, manage chronic pain non-invasively, ease pregnancy-related discomfort, and provide preventive care to maintain overall health and wellness.
Problems with joints and spines can come from injury, repetitive movements, or even from a poor lifestyle. There is a shocking link between obesity and spinal injuries for instance.
A chiropractor will do everything they can to help bring about a long-term solution for your problems. You can also help yourself by arriving at the appointment in comfortable clothing.
Wear yoga pants, shorts, or leggings
Restrictive clothing should be avoided, so yoga pants and shorts are good choices for women and men.
You are visiting a chiropractor, not a hospital, so they may not have gowns to change into. Choosing the wrong legwear could make for an uncomfortable visit.
Loose-fitting, unrestrictive legwear is the order of the day.
Wear shoes that are casual and easy to remove
Flat shoes are a good idea when going to the chiropractor. This means deck shoes, training shoes, plimsolls, and flats. Orthotic shoes can be worn, and your chiropractor can assess these at your visit.
You may have to carry out some movements for your chiropractor to assess your mobility. Comfortable flat-soled shoes are ideal for this.
You can buy them in physical or online shoe stores. Suitable choices include deck shoes, training shoes, plimsolls, flats, and orthotic shoes if you use them for support.
Deck and training shoes offer grip and flexibility, plimsolls and flats are lightweight and easy to slip on and off, and orthotic shoes can be assessed by your chiropractor for their impact on your posture and mobility.
These options ensure you’re prepared for any movements required to evaluate your condition accurately. Ensure to only buy from a reputable shoe manufacturer or seller for excellent quality.
Loose-fitting tops made of thin fabric will help the chiropractor
The chiropractor will need to manipulate you to help your body’s alignment. Tops made from thin material such as t-shirts will help in this regard.
Indeed, Dr. Morgan at Advanced Health who has been treating spinal problems for 12 years would recommend thin fabric tops such as shirts or tees.
Clothing to avoid for a chiropractor appointment
You have a basic rundown of what to wear from head to foot. But, perhaps it will make everything clearer if you know what to leave at home.
What should men avoid wearing at the chiropractor?
Coming from the office, it may seem to make sense to go wearing your work attire. However, suits with braces, and a tie isn’t the most practical outfit for a chiropractor appointment.
You can wear any shoes you normally would, but you should expect to have to remove them.
Avoid sweatshirts, fleeces, and jeans too. Thin material and non-restrictive garments are recommended. Belts and watches should be left behind too.
What should women avoid wearing at the chiropractor?
Concerning restrictions, women should also avoid jeans, chunky knitwear, and bulky clothing. There are, though, quite a few other considerations for female patients to make.
- Avoid wearing the following:
- Hats
- High heels
- Front fastening bras/sports bras
- Jewellery, including piercings
- Tights or pantyhose
- Skirts or dresses
Why is it important to dress correctly for the chiropractor?
In the US, the NBCE undertakes the examination of chiropractors. In the UK, the General Chiropractic Council is the country’s regulator.
Chiropractors undertake years of study and examination to gain their licences to practice. Their work involves adjusting and manipulating the patient to ease pain and improve physical functions such as mobility.
Wearing the wrong clothing to an appointment can make it difficult for the chiropractor to carry out their work. You may also have a less comfortable visit.
For instance, body piercings can be pulled during treatment. Time needs to be spent removing jewellery, or other unnecessary items. If you are unsure, just ask your chiropractor ahead of your visit what to wear.
Summary
There are many new technologies to relieve pain being used today. But, chiropractors neither administer drugs nor perform surgery.
Instead, they use skills learned over a lengthy education to help manipulate joints and body parts into perfect alignment. While they do indeed work to relieve pain, they do so with a longer-term solution in mind that painkillers cannot provide.
To get the best out of your chiropractor appointment, wear suitable clothing. Your chiropractor will thank you for it, and you’ll feel far more comfortable.