Being physically fit is crucial before you participate in any sports or activity. Physical fitness can dramatically minimize your risk for and resilience to accidental injuries.
Gahanna sports physicals at on-time urgent care are conducted by an expert team of highly skilled healthcare professionals to ensure you are physically fit and ready for any sports or activity.
An introduction to sports physicals
A sports physical is also known as a pre-participation physical (PPE) in the medical field. It is a type of complete health examination that helps determine if you or your child is physically fit or able to participate ins a sports activity safely.
Sports physicals vs annual physicals
Though sports and annual physicals are aimed at assessing your overall health, there is a distinctive difference between them.
During a sports physical, your doctor will evaluate your health with a particular sport or activity in mind. It helps to assess your ability to participate in a specific activity safely.
An annual wellness checkup is a routine screening to help identify health problems before you show symptoms.
Assessments included in sports physicals
A sports physical begins with your doctor reviewing your medical history. The following modalities will be recorded:
- Height and weight
- Vitals like BP, oxygen level, pulse, and heart rate
- Eating habits
- Unhealthy habits such as smoking, and alcoholism
- Immunization history
- History of previous diseases and surgeries
This is followed by a physical exam, where your doctor will:
- Evaluate eyesight and hearing
- Evaluate the muscles and joints to check for the range of motion
- Perform a neurological exam to test the reflexes
- Feel your nose, throat, and abdomen
- Check your heart and lung sounds
Preparing for sports physicals
You are required to complete all the paperwork for yourself or your child before you come in for the physical examination.
Ensure that you carry the following when you come for your appointment:
- Complete medical history
- Immunization record
- Parental consent form (if your child is under 18 years)
- Medical insurance information
- Records of previous physicals
- List of medications being taken
You are advised to get sports physicals about 6 to 8 before the activity or sports season begins. This can give the healthcare professional sufficient time to treat any issues discovered during the physical.
Takeaway
Sports physicals provide your healthcare professional with important information about you or your child. It helps to assess the risk of injuries so that you can participate safely.
Ensure to provide all the details to your healthcare professional. Schedule the sports physical well in advance to provide adequate time for another exam or treatment if necessary.
