What do they do at a sports physical? Find out more here

What do they do at a sports physical? Find out more here

Babu Tendu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination, is crucial to preparing for any gaming activity. It is designed to assess an individual's health and determine their fitness level for game participation. The examination typically includes a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's medical history and physical examination. What do they do at a sports physical?

What do they do at a sports physical?
Get information about what takes place during a physical sports session. Photo by canva.com. (Modified by author).
Source: Getty Images

The goal of a sports physical is to ensure the person's safety and prevent any potential health problems from arising during sports participation. The examination results can also provide valuable information for the person and their healthcare provider in developing a personalized plan for sports training and injury prevention.

What do they check in a sports physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health and fitness level before participating in any gaming activity. It is an essential step in preparing for games, as it helps to identify any potential health risks or underlying medical conditions that could affect a person's ability to participate safely.

The first step in a sports physical is a review of the individual's medical history. The healthcare professional conducting the examination will ask about the individual's past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and current medications.

Individuals need to provide accurate and complete information during this step, as certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, could impact their ability to participate in certain games.

What do doctors do at a physical for sports?

The individual will undergo a physical examination, which includes a thorough evaluation of their height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and vision.

What do they check in a sports physical
Close-up of women stretching to touch their toes on grass before sports training. Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial.
Source: Getty Images

The healthcare professional will also examine the individual's joints, muscles, and heart and lung function to ensure they are in good health and capable of participating in games. The examination may also include tests for strength, flexibility, and balance to assess the individual's fitness level for fun.

What does a sports physical include?

In addition to the bodily examination, the athletic check-up may include various tests to screen for potential health issues. These tests may consist of a urine test to check for dehydration, protein levels, and other medical conditions and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor the person's heart rate and rhythm.

A pulmonary function test may also be performed to assess lung function, which is especially important for athletes who participate in endurance games such as running and cycling.

After the examination, the healthcare professional will provide the individual with a report of their findings. If any potential health risks or medical conditions are identified, the healthcare professional may recommend further testing or refer the person to a specialist for further evaluation.

What do they do at a school sports physical?

It is important to note that athletic check-ups are not just for high school and college athletes. Children participating in organized games and adults starting a new sport or returning to a sport after an injury should also undergo an athletic check-up.

The frequency of athletic check-ups may vary depending on the person's age, sport, and medical history. Still, it is generally recommended that people undergo a check-up once a year or before starting a new game.

What do they do at an athletic physical?

The comprehensive evaluation of the person's medical history, bodily examination, and various tests help to identify any potential health risks or underlying medical conditions that could affect the person's ability to participate safely.

What does a sports physical include
An athlete does a cardiac stress test in a medical study, monitored by a female doctor. Photo by Tashi-Delek.
Source: Getty Images

By undergoing a check-up, individuals can have peace of mind and be confident in participating in games without risking their health. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting, a sports physical is essential to the journey toward a healthy and safe game experience.

What do they do at a women's sports physical?

A women's check-up is similar to a regular check-up, with a few additional components specifically designed to address the unique health needs of women. During a women's athletic check-up, the healthcare professional will assess the lady's overall health, fitness level, and medical history, just as they would during a regular sports physical. Additionally, the examination may include the following:

A gynecological exam

This may include a pelvic exam, chest exam, and Pap smear to screen for reproductive and chest health issues.

Evaluation of menstrual history

The healthcare professional will ask about the physical sports individual's menstrual cycle, including the regularity of periods, pain or discomfort experienced, and related symptoms.

Discussion of contraception and STIs

The healthcare professional may also discuss the person's use of contraception, the risk of STIs, and how to prevent them.

Assessment of bone density

This is especially important for women with a higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The healthcare professional may perform a bone density test to determine the person's risk.

Walgreen sports physical

This check-up at Walgreens may be performed by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant, at one of their MinuteClinics. During the routine, the healthcare professional will assess the person's overall health, fitness level, and medical history and perform a physical examination to determine the individual's ability to participate in games.

What do doctors do at a physical for sports
A nurse monitoring a cheerful male patient doing a stress test, both looking very happy and smiling. Photo by Andresr.
Source: Getty Images

The examination typically includes a review of the individual's medical history, height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and vision. The healthcare professional may also examine the individual's joints, muscles, and heart and lung function to ensure they are in good health and capable of participating in games.

Walgreens offers convenient, accessible athletic check-ups for individuals of all ages, and the process is usually quick and straightforward. To schedule a routine at Walgreens, visit their website or visit one of their MinuteClinics for an appointment.

How long is a sport physical good for?

The validity period of a sports physical typically varies depending on the requirements set by the athletic organization and the state or jurisdiction. In general, most sports organizations require it to be completed within a year before the start of the sports season.

What do they do at a sports physical? It is a medical examination to assess an individual's overall health and fitness level and determine their ability to participate in games. It involves physical examination, screening tests, and much more.

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Babu Tendu
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