If you’ve never been to the chiropractor, your first appointment can be daunting. What will they find? Will the adjustment hurt? In worrying about how it will go, many people are concerned about what the appropriate attire is, especially knowing you may be lying on a table or undergoing scans. While most clothes will be appropriate for your car accident treatment, to make the experience less stressful, we’ve compiled our do’s and don’ts of chiropractic attire!
Will I Have to Undress at the Chiropractor?
Some doctor appointments require you to undress, at least partially, and knowing this information may impact your clothing for the day. It is possible that your first chiropractor appointment will require some level of undressing, especially if you need to undergo a scan of some sort. However, anything that does require access to your spine would mean undressing only on top, and a gown would be provided. Otherwise, the most you can expect is to pull a shirt up or down or roll up a pant leg.
Pants vs. Skirts and Dresses
You are welcome to wear a skirt or dress to your chiropractic adjustment but will likely be more comfortable in pants. Remember that you will be lying flat on a table, both on your back and face down, and may need to pull your legs up or down, which could leave you exposed. Wearing a skort or shorts under your dress will solve this problem, and you shouldn’t need the range of motion that a skirt restricts.
If you do choose to wear pants, aim for something loose-fitting or stretchy, like yoga pants or leggings. Jeans that have some level of stretch in them can work, but you want to be sure you are not constricted or wearing anything too tight. Think of a chiropractic appointment as a very light workout and dress accordingly.
What About My Bra?
For those who normally wear a bra and are comfortable doing so, there is no reason not to wear one to the chiropractor. If you are more comfortable without one or in a sports bra, that is also okay.
The chiropractor may end up performing a massage or using heat therapy, in which case you would need to expose your back. A bra that closes in the back makes it easier to unhook without completely disrobing in these cases. Keep this in mind if you do opt for a bra, especially a sports bra.
Footwear at the Chiropractor
Wear shoes to the chiropractor that you find comfortable, and keep in mind that you may be asked to do some light exercises or tasks that involve standing and movement. Tennis shoes, sneakers, slides, or flats are all generally acceptable, as long as you feel like your feet are on solid ground. Think about if you could do a jumping jack in the shoes you choose- so high heels are probably out.
If you wear orthotic shoes, bring those with you for your chiropractor to examine!
You may also keep in mind that if you are lying face down on the table, sandals could fall off. Some people choose to bring socks or take their shoes off to prevent this from happening.
Accessories to Avoid
A number of common accessories can make life more difficult at a chiropractic appointment.
When you are lying on the table, switching between sides and positions, jewelry like earrings is likely to fall out, bracelets to come undone, or necklaces to get tangled. While it is fine to wear simple jewelry, don’t add a lot of additional pieces before visiting the chiropractor, or take them off before you begin to avoid them getting in the way or being lost.
Be prepared to remove other items like hats, suspenders, watches, belts, and earbuds before you begin as well. Shapewear should also be avoided or removed before you begin.
Heavy makeup will also likely be ruined during an adjustment where you lie face down. If you have makeup on, it won’t impact your adjustment, but be prepared to do some touch-ups after the fact.
The Ideal Outfit
Taking away any context surrounding your plans that day or where you are coming from, the best thing to wear to the chiropractor is simple and comfortable. Yoga pants and a loose-fitting shirt, sneakers, and undergarments make the perfect outfit for a chiropractor visit.
What Should I Bring to the Chiropractor?
Once you have your outfit ready, there are some items you can bring to make your visit go more smoothly. These include:
- Previous x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
- Previous diagnostic reports and doctors notes, as well as a list of prescriptions
- A list of any supplements and over the counter medications you take
- Orthotic shoes, if you wear them
- Your daily purse, backpack, briefcase, or book bag with the items they normally contain
- Any orthotics, braces, or devices you use regularly
- A list of concerns or questions
- A small notebook for you to take notes about your treatment plan and home exercises
What to Expect at the Chiropractor
Your first visit to the Atlanta chiropractor may or may not involve an adjustment, but you still want to dress appropriately for any assessments. This first session will be about discussing your medical history and any concerns or symptoms you have that bring you to the chiropractor in the first place. Based on this, they may perform a series of physical assessments, asking you to carry out simple tasks and exercises. If more information is needed, diagnostic scans can be performed.
This information can be used to find a diagnosis, if applicable, or create a treatment plan to address your concerns. The chiropractor may offer you an initial adjustment at this time, or your first one may be at the next appointment.
When you make an appointment at AICA Jonesboro, we will walk you through every step of the process. Our clients range from lifelong chiropractic patients to recent accident victims who have never been adjusted before, so we will provide all the information you need to feel at home. To schedule your first session or ask any questions, contact AICA Jonesboro today.