What to Wear to Pelvic Floor Therapy (The Complete Guide)
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
One of the first questions our front desk gets when booking the appointment is "What do I wear to a pelvic floor therapy appointment?" and "Do I have to get undressed?".
As a clinician in a specialized pelvic health physical therapy clinic, you aren't the first and you definitely won't be the last to ask this question. Well, rest assured, I am here to reassure you on your choices!
We will talk about the best things to wear, why, what not to wear, and a little bit about the appointment and how to feel comfortable and confident, so you can feel less nervous about the whole thing.
Quick Answer: What Should You Wear to Pelvic Floor Therapy?
When you think about what to wear to pelvic floor therapy, think comfy and moveable. Here are some Pelvic PT tips: You'll want to avoid wearing things are difficult to remove, such as shapewear. Dress in layers that are easy to remove, especially if you trend cold! Go for simple, breathable and avoid restrictive items like jeans, work type pants or if you're coming straight from work, throw some leggings or shorts in your bag to change into!
Best Clothing to Wear to a Pelvic PT Appointment
Loose, Comfortable Clothing
Leggings, joggers, athletic shorts
Choose easy to remove layers or clothing
Avoid complicated outfits and come with a light jacket over a tank top to remove if you get hot. Rompers are difficult to remove without getting completely undressed.
Go for simple, breathable everything
Underwear, pants, tops...
Easy to Remove Clothing
Avoid layers that are hard to remove like shapewear
Whatever you feel most comfortable in
Ultimately, your comfort will allow for a more productive examination.
What NOT to wear to a Pelvic Floor Therapy Evaluation
Tight, restrictive clothing
Bodysuit/Rompers
Shapewear
Complicated outfits
Why What You Wear to Pelvic Floor Therapy Matters
What you wear to a pelvic floor physical therapy session is important, but not so important that you should lose sleep over it. Don't spend hours in your closet, cycling through all the options. Think comfortable! And think easy! But perhaps it would help if we talked about why comfortable is so important.
A good pelvic floor therapist will do more than just a pelvic exam. Their examination will be thorough and head to toe. Depending on what you are coming in for, they may have you do a squat or lift something heavy, and evaluate how well you move your hips or trunk. These things are not easily done in restrictive clothing.
Pelvic floor therapy clinics, like most medical facilities, tend to trend cold when talking about temperature. If you are someone who is easily chilled, bringing along a light jacket or wearing socks could make you far more comfortable. But as I mentioned above, movement during your sessions is likely expected, so layering over a tank top might keep you more comfortable, especially if you trend hotter.
But above all, a good pelvic floor physical therapist will keep your comfort in mind at all times. If you feel more comfortable, you're going to be more relaxed which will ultimately lead to a more accurate pelvic floor evaluation. If you like keeping your socks on, do it! If you forgot to pack shorts, they'll likely have a gown and a private area for you to move in! If you would prefer to stay as you are, no worries, we're adaptable!
Pelvic Floor Therapy Outfit Checklist:
Loose Bottoms
Comfortable Underwear
Easy to Remove Layers
Optional: Socks!
Do You Have to Undress for Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Short Answer: Only if you agree.
But you may be thinking: "Wait. Pelvic floor? How do you evaluate the pelvic floor?" And that is just as common of a question as "What should I wear?"
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in the bottom of your pelvis between the pubic bone and tailbone. These muscles tend to only be able to be assessed with either an external or internal muscle assessment. This is similar but not exactly the same as a gynecological exam or Pap Smear. In a pelvic floor therapy internal or external examination, there is no speculum and they use only one gloved finger to your tolerance. They do not need to go as deep as a Pap Smear would go (to your cervix). The pelvic floor is much more superficial.
Here at Concept Pelvic Health, we believe that knowing how the pelvic floor is functioning is a critical piece of information in our quest to improve your symptoms. This information allows us to assess and not just guess as to what's going on. However, you need to know that the entire exam is within your control. If you say stop, then we stop. Any information is enough information. If you need to wait till another appointment or perform them in a limited fashion, then that is something we can work with.
We want you to be completely comfortable with the whole process. To answer your question fully: "Do I have to undress for Pelvic Floor Therapy?" We can assess some of the muscles externally through thinner clothing. To perform the full exam, yes, you would need to undress from the waist down. But rest assured, we uphold the maximum amount of modesty possible. You get a full sheet to cover and drape with and it is only ever lifted when absolutely necessary.
What Happens at Your First Pelvic Floor Therapy Appointment?
Your first appointment will first and foremost a chance for you to explain how we got here. We aren't rushing you with a 10 minute appointment where you have to bring your checklist of all the things you needed to say. No, we take the time for you tell us all the things that matter, because your history is a big part of what's going on.
From there, we will perform movement screens, strength assessments, and other tests and measures that align with the symptoms and history that we talked through. As a part of that assessment, we offer the internal or external pelvic floor assessment. At this point, your therapist will have explained how the exam works, what she's looking for, and why it might be important for your individual care plan.
This all happens in about an hour. When you leave, you leave with a plan and goals for the future that you can be excited about!
Advice from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
The most important thing I can say from here is how impactful pelvic floor therapy can be. We're not just talking about a little inconvenience. What we're changing, gives you back your freedom. From the ability to jump or run with your kids, remain active for the rest of your life, have pain free, enjoyable sex with your spouse, or be able to move about your day unrestricted. These things are life changing.
We strive to make this experience as comfortable as possible so it can be as life changing as possible!
Tips to Feel Comfortable and Confident
Wear Something that feels like "you"
Let your therapist know what you're comfortable with and your preferences
Reminder: this is a medical setting. Within these walls, the entire session will be professional and modesty will always be upheld.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and are looking for pelvic floor physical therapy in Keller, TX, working with a pelvic PT who specializes in women's health can make a meaningful difference. Our clinic serves individuals throughout Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, and surrounding Fort Worth communities.
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