What Do They Do At A Sports Physical? Discover the Complete Process Here

As a young athlete preparing for the upcoming season, it’s important to ensure that your body is up to speed and fully healthy. That’s where a sports physical comes in.

A sports physical is more than just checking your height and weight. It’s a comprehensive exam done by a healthcare professional that evaluates whether or not you’re physically ready to participate in sports or other physical activities.

The process includes a medical history review, evaluation of vital signs, tests for heart issues and lung function, examination of joint flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance.

In addition to evaluating previous injuries, the healthcare provider will also check for potential risks and provide education on how to avoid them.

“A thorough sports physical can give athletes peace of mind as they enter their season, while ensuring that any pre-existing conditions are taken into account so they don’t become bigger problems down the line.”

If you want to be able to perform at your best and avoid possible health risks, getting a complete sports physical is crucial. If you’re curious about what exactly happens during this exam, keep reading to discover the full process!

Assessment of Medical History

A sports physical is a medical examination that assesses the overall health of athletes, checks for any underlying medical conditions, and determines if they are physically fit to participate in athletics.

Patient’s Current Health Status

The patient’s current health status is an important aspect of the sports physical. It involves screening for any existing medical problems or injuries that may interfere with their ability to perform or increase the risk of further injury during athletic activity.

The healthcare provider will check vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). They will also evaluate the lungs, ears, nose, throat, and eyes to ensure there are no infections, allergies, or other respiratory issues that might affect performance on the field or court.

If necessary, additional tests may be ordered, such as blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, electrocardiogram, or ultrasound. These tests help identify any chronic diseases, genetic disorders, or abnormalities that could potentially cause significant harm while participating in sports activities.

Past Medical History

Past medical history plays a crucial role in assessing a patient’s current fitness level and identifying potential risks. The physician will ask questions about previous illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and injuries, including head trauma or concussions.

It is essential to disclose any relevant information regarding past injuries since the healthcare provider must determine if the athlete has fully recovered and has no lingering symptoms. Conditions like asthma, diabetes, seizures, ADHD, and other chronic ailments require special management during exercise and need close monitoring.

In some cases, the doctor may request medical records from previous physicians or specialists. A full understanding of the athlete’s previous health issues helps prevent future injuries, manage ongoing medical conditions, and ensure a safe and healthy athletic experience.

Family Medical History

Family medical history is another crucial factor that healthcare providers consider during sports physicals. The physician will inquire about any family members with chronic illnesses or genetic disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease allergies, cancer, psychiatric disorders, among others.

A substantial link exists between certain conditions such as sickle cell disease, Marfan syndrome, or inherited cardiac defects that can affect athletes participating in various activities. Knowing this information helps the healthcare provider adjust care to prevent potentially dangerous consequences that could develop while engaging in sports.

Medication and Allergies

The healthcare provider conducting the sports physical must be aware of all medications currently in use by the patient. They require information on both over-the-counter (OTC) medication and prescription drugs, including supplements that may have an impact on the body’s ability to participate in athletic activity safely.

Allergies are also essential to disclose since they might interfere with participation due to potential reactions or complications during sports activity. There exists a particular risk associated with food allergy and asthma, making disclosure of allergic ailments a necessary step for effective health management during athletics.

“Athletes should tell their doctor everything: injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, serious illness, or prior heart screenings,” said Dr. Benjamin Levine, founding director of the Institute and Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Assessing an athlete’s overall medical history provides clinicians a snapshot of the individual’s general health status and gives insight into specific concerns that might raise safety risks concerningparticipation in sporting activities. Whether preparing for a school team tryout or competing at the highest level, sports physicals help identify underlying health problems and create guidelines to manage present conditions.

Physical Examination

A sports physical is a routine medical exam that ensures an athlete’s overall health and fitness before playing any sport. It involves a thorough inspection of the body parts and systems with different examination techniques.

General Appearance

The general appearance examination in a sports physical includes checking for abnormalities like deformities, swelling, rashes, or signs of injury. The physician may also test sensory organs, such as eyesight and hearing, to ensure they are in optimal order.

To assess a player’s mobility and predict future injuries, a physician checks posture, strength or weak areas, and range of motion.

Skin Examination

During a skin examination, the physician will evaluate moles or birthmarks to identify any warning signs of cancerous activity. They’ll also look out for contagious infections like ringworms, impetigo, and herpes simplex type 1, which can be transferred between athletes on contact.

Your practitioner may ask about allergies or prior treatment pertaining to more persistent conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis of any type. If so, they might want to see if the information provided corresponds to what they see during their external evaluation.

Cardiovascular Examination

The cardiovascular exam is critical to securing your safety while engaging in sharp movements, intense heat, dehydration, and strenuous exercise that can strain the heart.

The physician will listen through a stethoscope to hear abnormal noises coming from the heart and measure blood pressure levels. In younger individuals, the readings give an indicative approach to understanding how well metabolic changes occur within the human body.

“All children and adolescents should have periodic evaluations of their growth and development at least once per year through age 21 years,” (American Heart Association).

Gastrointestinal Examination

A gastrointestinal examination in a sports physical includes asking athletes about their eating routines, checking for any gastrointestinal symptoms such as acid refluxes and diarrhea. The physician will evaluate if their diet primarily matches the athlete’s needs to foster maximum energy levels. Also, hydration is essential when engaging in athletics.

The medical examiner may also inquire about any digestive problems like bloating, constipation, or liver disease that manifests through specific characteristics.

“Avoid high-fat meals for three to four hours before exercising,” says Kristine Clark, Ph.D., director of sports nutrition at Penn State University. “These take longer to empty out of the stomach.”

A sports physical caters to athletes’ safety beyond the playing field by ensuring they can play without endangering themselves or others. It provides necessary insights on how to improve individuals overall fitness by enlisting positive strategies for growth. By paying attention to these tests given during your sports physical, you’re doing more than just preparing to tell the coach what position you want to play; you’re setting yourself up for success both short-term and long-term!

Measurement of Vital Signs

In a sports physical, the healthcare professional will measure vital signs to ensure that the athlete is healthy enough to participate. These vital signs include:

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against your arteries as it flows through your body. A healthy blood pressure reading should be around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends getting your blood pressure checked at least once every two years if your blood pressure is below the normal range (less than 120/80 mmHg) as well as monitoring your blood pressure regularly if you have high blood pressure or any other risk factors for heart disease.

“High blood pressure is a silent killer because it has no symptoms, so you don’t know that it’s going on.” -Margaret Chan

Heart Rate

Heart rate measures how many times your heart beats in one minute. For adults, a healthy heart rate typically ranges from 60-100 beats per minute. However, resting heart rates vary depending on age and fitness level. Higher heart rates are typical during exercise and while under stress, but prolonged higher levels could indicate an underlying heart problem.

It’s important to note that your target heart rate may differ during exercise from those who aren’t as fit because their hearts work harder. It’s best to consult with a doctor for personalized advice on what your target heart range should be.

“Your heart starts working before you’re born and doesn’t stop until you die.”, -Mary Garden

Respiratory Rate

Your respiratory rate measures the number of breaths taken over one minute. While resting, the average respiratory rate is around 12-20 breaths per minute. Exercising will typically increase this number as it depends on the level of physical activity.

Significantly low or high respiratory rates can indicate a breathing problem and warrant medical attention.

“The greatest wealth is health.” -Virgil

Body Temperature

A normal human body temperature ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius). A higher temperature indicates that your immune system might be fighting an infection or illness. If you have any flu-like symptoms before your sports physical, make sure to mention it to your doctor. They might ask for additional tests to determine if it’s safe for you to participate in rigorous activities.

It’s also important to note that medications may alter your body temperature results during testing. Please let your healthcare provider know ahead of time so you receive accurate results.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” -Buddha

Getting your vital signs checked at your annual sports physical exam could avoid potential health risks that come with participating in athletic activities. The process doesn’t take much time but provides insights into your overall health status.If abnormalities are detected during examination, they can lead to follow-up appointments and further preventative care.In addition, informing your primary healthcare physician about your favorite sports hobbies gives them alternative solutions and recommendations that work for you personally. It is always better to stay transparent about your health issues rather than regretting later during any incident.

Neurological Testing

A sports physical is an important tool to identify any potential health risks associated with athletic participation. One key component of a sports physical is the neurological exam, which can help identify problems with brain function or nerve damage that could impact an athlete’s stamina, balance, coordination, and overall performance.

Reflexes Examination

The reflexes examination is one of the most basic components of the neurological exam during a sports physical. The doctor will test various reflexes by tapping a specific area on the body, such as the knee, ankle, or elbow, and measuring how quickly the muscle reacts. This quick reaction time is a sign that the nerves are communicating effectively with the muscles. If there is a delay in the reaction time, it may be a sign of underlying neurological issues that need further investigation.

According to Dr. Brian Hainline, the Chief Medical Officer for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), “The reflexes are really checking out how well the central nervous system is functioning, both the spinal cord and the brain.”

If abnormalities are detected during the reflexes examination, additional testing may be necessary, including more comprehensive neurological exams and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs. It is crucial to identify these types of neurological issues early so that athletes can receive appropriate treatment before they experience serious long-term consequences.

Sensory Examination

The sensory examination assesses how well an athlete’s senses are working, including touch, vision, hearing, and balance. During this exam, the clinician may ask the athlete to close their eyes while they touch different parts of their body with a small object to check for areas of decreased sensation.

In addition to testing for abnormal sensations, the clinician may also evaluate the athlete’s balance. This may include asking the athlete to stand on one foot, or testing their ability to walk a straight line while keeping their eyes closed. A disruption in the vestibular system, which helps maintain balance and spatial orientation, can significantly impact athletic performance.

According to Dr. Kevin Walter, an orthopedic surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital, “If there are any abnormal findings on a sensory exam, further workup is generally needed, including referrals to specialists for things like auditory or speech problems.”

This part of the neurological examination is especially important since it can identify potential head injuries that may lead to concussions. For example, if an athlete has difficulty maintaining balance, it could be a sign of underlying post-concussive syndrome, which requires immediate attention from medical professionals.

“Early recognition and prompt treatment is key in preventing further injury or damage,” says Dr. Elizabeth Kuhlmann, a sports medicine physician with the Vanderbilt Sports Medicine Clinic.

The neurological examination during a sports physical is critical for identifying potential problems with brain function or nerve damage that could harm an athlete’s overall performance and well-being. The reflexes examination checks how well the central nervous system is functioning, while the sensory examination assesses how well an athlete’s senses are working and provides insight into their balance and spatial awareness. By conducting these exams regularly, athletes can receive appropriate treatment early and prevent further long-term damage.

Joint Flexibility and Muscle Strength Assessment

Range of Motion Evaluation

A range of motion evaluation is conducted to assess the extent to which a certain joint can move. This is important for athletes because it affects their performance on the field, as well as their susceptibility to injury. During this evaluation, the healthcare provider will move each joint in different directions while noting any restrictions or pain.

“Assessing range of motion is crucial in determining an athlete’s readiness to play. It helps us identify areas that need attention so we can work on improving flexibility and preventing injuries.” -Dr. James Andrews

Manual Muscle Testing

Manual muscle testing involves assessing the strength of a muscle group based on its ability to perform specific movements against resistance. The examiner applies pressure to the muscle while asking the patient to contract it. This test helps detect muscular imbalances that may affect athletic performance or predispose an individual to injury.

“Through manual muscle testing, we can observe potential weaknesses in muscles that could help guide customized exercise plans for improved future performance.” – Dr. Keith Jeffers

Posture Examination

A posture examination evaluates how an individual carries their body-weight and balance. Poor posture can lead to decreased mobility, altered gait patterns, and increased risk of injury. During a sports physical, healthcare providers evaluate the patient’s visual spine alignment, as well as pelvic positioning, to see how movement patterns might be affected by poor postural control.

“Improving posture starts with awareness. Knowing where your body is in space allows you to make changes and prevent issues down the line,” – Dr. Karen Erickson

A Joint Flexibility and Muscle Strength assessment includes a combination of Range of Motion Evaluation, Manual Muscle Testing, and Posture Examination to overall help determine an athlete’s performance levels as well as potentially identify any areas for improvement. These evaluations are essential in order to not only perform better but prevent injuries in the future. By identifying potential issues early on, athletes can take proactive measures to optimize their body capabilities and minimize risk.

During a sports physical, healthcare providers will also review your medical history and ask about past injuries or illnesses that may affect your ability to play. They’ll also assess other factors that could influence athletic participation such as heart health, vision/eye sight, respiratory illness, asthma, diabetes, neurological issues, medications currently being taken and more.

What happens during a sports physical?

While there is no standard format every provider follows, most checkups follow this basic structure:

• Gather Medical History
• Perform Physical Exam
• Evaluate Cardiovascular Health & Vital Signs
• Conduct Vision testing and Hearing Assessments
• Talk through Nutrition & Supplemental Needs
• Health Counseling & Education

The aim of all these tests to clear for safe athletic activity and develop a plan bringing awareness and education to different habits or best practices optimizing athletic performance.. Speaking with a Healthcare professional regarding adequate amounts of sleep, nutritional intake, hydration goals, exercise regimens, and injury prevention strategies can be beneficial in moving forward towards reaching optimal athletic performance.

As you move forward with your training program, remember that nothing replaces personal attention by qualified professionals like those part of our clinic, who have years of experience conducting sports physical exams, treating common injuries, and creating bespoke training programs. The end goal of every sports physical is simple – its ensuring an athlete is optimally primed for performing and reducing the risk of unnecessary injuries that could keep you out of competition. By identifying potential issues before they become more severe, athletes can take proactive measures to optimize their body capabilities and minimize risks for long term athletic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions