What do I wear to see the Sports Medicine Doctor?

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What do I wear to see the Sports Medicine Doctor?

Queen Mum

Veteran

I know, it seems like a silly question...

but I finally broke down and made an appointment with a doctor after 2 months of unsuccessful self-treatment.

And now I'm gonna fret all week about what to wear. I'll feel silly wearing a casual dress and then find out he's gonna ask me to hop on the treadmill or do other exercises. I'll feel equally as silly looking like I'm ready for the physical therapist if the only movement involved is filling out paperwork and telling him where it hurts. Anyone been to one of these doctors? Do they have you strip down like the normal doctors? Or do they hand you a barbell and ask where it hurts.. LOL

Please enlighten me :-).

12 years ago

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I've never been to one, but I'd opt for shorts rather than a dress just in case. They may want to see your range of motion.

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

My DH recently tore his Achilles tendon and had to go to sports medicine for rehab. They put him right into some exercises, stretching, treadmill and hooked him to electrodes. I'd be prepared for access (and the room was a big open one with minimal curtains between beds)

12 years ago

Erin

Veteran

I work at a doctors office and we refer people all the time. If you are uncomfortable wearing "gym" clothes go in a regular outfit but bring stuff to change into. It really depends on the reason for the app. with what you should wear.

You will be expected to do range of motion type movements for the injured area. so if it is a leg/knee make sure that you wear loose fitting shorts so that they can look/manupulate the area. If it is a shoulder same thing- loose sleevless shirt, nothing fancy. They may do an ultrasound so you could get gel on your clothes.

If you are going to have to be on a treadmill & if they are looking at your gait/movement wear a sports bra if you have one, if not you can double up coverage on the "girls". If they need to keep track of your O2 Saturation or Heart Rate then they may put electrodes on your chest so if you have a sports bra that you can wear with out a top even better. Do not forget your runners. They may want to look at the wear patterns on your shoes so try not to bring shiny new ones. Whatever you do, don't forget that they have seen it all.
Please let me know if there is anything else that I can answer.

PS bring water to drink, incase you are running.

12 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I saw a sports med doctor about ten years ago for bursitis in my hip. I did have to strip down so she could poke and prod and also measure my legs. (One is shorter than the other, but I kind of knew that.) She referred me to physical therapy so I didn't start treatment right then.

So it depends on the problem. Shorts sound like a good idea.

12 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

thanks for all the input everyone.
Its a leg injury... my hip flexor (I think) right at the pelvis pretty much, so ya, he's gonna need access I thought about wearing yoga type pants and an easy top... that wouldn't look quite as silly as showing up looking like I was ready to run a marathon
why do I fret about these things so? geesh!

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Kim, I do the same thing when going to the chiropractor! I don't want to look a slob but need to be 'flexible' lol. I think knit pants and an easy top are a great choice.

12 years ago

Steph

Veteran

I think that the yoga pants and tee-shirt is the most sensible option. I think of the worst-case scenario in each situation: if you wear the dress and he wants you to do actual exercises and you can't, that makes for a difficult appointment. If you wear workout-type clothes and only have to fill out forms, then you looked a little sloppier than normal. One result has less of a downside than the other.

If it really does bother you, though, you could call the office and just ask them if you need to come prepared wearing (or not wearing) specific types of clothing. Since this is a doctor and not a physical therapist, my guess is he'll just have you do range of motion and poke and prod a little, but it's tough to really be sure.

12 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

When I did several weeks of physical therapy for a shoulder injury, I always wore shorts and a stretchy top, so I'd say the recommendations to wear stretchy pants are sensible. Good luck getting your injury attended to and fixed up! My shoulder is all back to normal now, and it's a huge relief.

12 years ago

Kim

Veteran

He's probably going to need to see the area in question, so be prepared for that. (You'll have curtains around your space for that and any other "personal" type stuff you might need to do). Once they have accessed you you'll probably be doing exercises, getting massages or ultrasound therapy (skin contact required) so dress accordingly for that.

This is one place you can wear your sport clothing, as all the people going there are athletes of some kind or another.

Running injury?

12 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

yes, running injury ;-(
Steph- yes, when you look at the two scenarios it make more sense to go in something that I can move in. It's not like they expect me to show up in a dress and heels. Now I just need to go find some presentable yoga pants (or half pants.. too hot for long!)

And yes, when she calls to remind me of my appointment, I'll ask about what to wear.

12 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

QM - You should be prepared for range of motion and possible x-rays. I would definitely not do a skirt or dress. You could pack a pair of sneakers in a bag. If the injury might require looking at your hips, they will probably ask you to change into a gown at the initial visit.

Good Luck !! I am sorry to hear that it hasn't been improving.

12 years ago

Sports Medicine Doctor

(website)

Member

There is no particular dress to wear when you are going to visit a sports medicine doctor. However, it is better you wear some loose trousers or track pant so that you feel comfortable while moving your legs.

5 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I just had a PM&R appointment last week for chronic pain and suspected SI joint issue and I wore loose jeans and a tee shirt. I had my running sneakers with me. For PT appointments I usually wear either jeans or exercise clothes, it depends on what is going to happen. There was a separate exam room at the office, and he had gowns to change into because he did need to see full range of hip motion and measure for leg length discrepancy in my case. Track pants may be okay, but if the doctor needs to see anatomical landmarks you may need to put on a gown.

5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I am a chartered physio therapist so here it is from the horses mouth!decent undergarments are a must.something like brief shorts and a cropped sports top under something that is easy and quick to get on and off if required.consider your footwear as well .again something that slips on and off easily not shoes that take ages to lace but remember therapists are used to seeing a wide range of people and clothing so don’t stress over it.If you are really worried ring the clinic that you are attending and ask for their advice,it’s not a stupid question and they really won’t mind.

5 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Wow, this is an old thread!

5 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Jenava, yes, indeed.

I wonder why "Sports Medicine Doctor" (a new member, apparently not a real person, but rather a clinic, according to the info in the profile) has chosen to restart this thread after six years ... Perhaps someone at that clinic googled "Sports Medicine Doctor" and then found this thread and chose to place a kind of ad here ...

5 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

And I had hopes that we were hearing from Queen Mum after all these years.

5 years ago

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