Virtually all sporting leagues today require a physical before participation is allowed. Sports physicals help ensure that the participant, as well as the other participants, can safely play without risk of preventable injury or sickness. Some people are at risk of serious injury or even death without even knowing it. Sports physicals can help doctors identify previously unknown medical conditions like irregular heart beats, joint damage, or other ailments that may not only make sporting activities difficult–but dangerous.
What is Involved in Sports Physicals?
There are quite a few things involved in a sports physical exam, this is because it is important to do a full check on what is happening with the patient’s body.
Your doctor will likely start off by asking you a variety of health and lifestyle related questions. The questions asked may include the following:
- Are there any serious illnesses, this will take into account the patient and family history.
- Do you have asthma, diabetes or epilepsy?
- Have you been hospitalized for any health condition?
- Do you have allergies?
- Have you had past injuries including concussions, sprains, bone breaks or fractures?
- Are you on any medication?
- Have you ever passed out, felt dizzy, had trouble breathing or had chest pain while exercising?
These questions all give the medical professional a good idea on whether your own medical conditions or those that run in your family may play havoc with certain sports.
What a Sports Physical Generally Includes
The physical exam for a sports physical will likely include the following:
- Height and Weight
- Blood Pressure
- Pulse Reading
- Vision Check
- Heart Check
- Lungs Check
- Abdomen Check
- Posture Evaluation
- Evaluation of Joints, Strength, and Flexibility
When it comes to teenagers the Dr. may ask different questions. For example, for females, the Dr. will check on menstruation. The Dr. may also ask about drug and alcohol use.
Why Have Sports Physicals?
Drs. Assess the ability of a patient to play certain sports to make sure no serious health issues will prevent you from playing sports without illness or damage to your health. The Dr. may also be able to prescribe certain treatments, such as inhalers for asthmatics, that can help you stay healthy out on the field.
Who Can Perform Sports Physicals?
There are several places you can go for sports physicals, these include;
- Urgent Care Centers
- Your own doctor.
- Medical professionals at your school
- Pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS
Urgent care centers are a great choice if you are in a pinch and need a sports physical completed right away.
The team at Fast Track Urgent Care can help you with your sports physical needs. We offer prompt service to get you in and out and on your way. No appointment necessary, walk-ins are always welcome.
