What Do Doctors Do in a Sports Physical?
Contents
It’s important for young athletes to have a sports physical before they start playing a new sport. Here’s what doctors do during a sports physical.
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Introduction
A sports physical is a medical exam that is usually given to young athletes before they start playing a sport. The purpose of the exam is to make sure that the athlete is healthy enough to participate in the sport and to identify any medical conditions that could potentially be aggravated by playing the sport.
The physical will typically include a review of the athlete’s medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes tests such as X-rays or blood tests. Depending on the age of the athlete and the sport they are playing, other tests may also be performed.
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is a type of medical exam that is conducted to examine a student athlete’s fitness to participate in sports. The exam includes a thorough medical history and physical examination. The purpose of the exam is to identify any health concerns that could potentially increase the risk of injury or illness during participation in sports.
During the medical history portion of the exam, the doctor will ask about any past or current illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions. They will also inquire about any medications that are currently being taken. The physical examination will assess the student athlete’s general health, height, weight, vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart rate, and flexibility. A coach or athletic trainer may be present during the exam to help assess the student athlete’s level of fitness.
The results of the sports physical will help to determine if there are any health concerns that need to be addressed before participation in sports. If everything is cleared, then the student athlete will be given a medical release form that needs to be signed by both the doctor and parent or guardian. This form will allow the student athlete to participate in sports for the upcoming season.
What do doctors do in a sports physical?
A sports physical is a type of physical examination that is conducted to determine whether an athlete is fit to participate in a sport. The examination is usually conducted by a doctor or a team of doctors. It usually includes a medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes, tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests.
Take a medical history
One of the main things doctors do during a sports physical is take a medical history. This helps them get an idea of any medical conditions that could impact someone’s ability to safely participate in a sport. The medical history will usually include questions about:
-any chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
-recent illnesses or infections
-injuries or hospitalizations
-allergies, both to food and medicine
-medications currently being taken
Perform a physical examination
In order to ensure that young athletes are physically able to safely participate in their chosen sport, doctors performing sports physicals will conduct a thorough examination. This will usually include checking the athlete’s height and weight, as well as their blood pressure and heart rate. The doctor will also assess the athlete’s range of motion and flexibility, and will check for any signs of deformities or injuries. Depending on the results of the physical examination, the doctor may recommend further tests or refer the athlete to a specialist.
What can you expect from a sports physical?
A sports physical is a type of examination that is done to make sure that it is safe for you to participate in a particular sport. The test is also sometimes called a preparticipation physical examination (PPE).
The Sports Physical Exam
During the sports physical, the doctor will ask you about your medical history and any previous injuries that you have had. He or she will also check your height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The doctor will also check your:
-Eyes
-Ears
-Nose
-Throat
-Lungs
After the physical examination, the doctor may order some tests, such as X-rays or blood work. These tests are usually only done if the doctor suspects that there might be a problem.
Based on the information gathered during the medical history and physical examination, the doctor will decide if it is safe for you to participate in your chosen sport. If everything looks good, then the doctor will give you a form that says that you have passed the sports physical. This form is sometimes called a medical clearance form or a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE).
How can you prepare for a sports physical?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a sports physical. First, make sure you have a current list of all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements. It is also important to know your family medical history, as some conditions may be hereditary. You should also be prepared to discuss your immunization history and current health status with your doctor. Finally, wear loose-fitting clothing so that the doctor can easily evaluate your body.
Conclusion
Overall, sports physicals are a valuable way to make sure that athletes are healthy and able to safely participate in their chosen sport. By assessing both the athlete’s current condition and their medical history, doctors can identify any potential health concerns that might impact their ability to safely participate in athletic activities. In addition, sports physicals can also help to ensure that athletes are up-to-date on their vaccinations and other preventive care measures.
