Importance of a Sports Physical
In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for you to participate in a particular sport. Most states actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a PPE isn’t required, doctors still highly recommend getting one.
The two main parts of a sports physical are the medical history and the physical exam.
Medical History
This part of the exam includes questions about:
- serious illnesses among other family members
- illnesses that you had when you were younger or may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
- previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- whether you’ve ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
- any medications that you are on (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)
Physical Examination
During the physical part of the exam, the doctor will usually:
- record your height and weight
- take a blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm) reading
- test your vision
- check your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
- Evaluate your posture, joints, and flexibility
Schedule your sports physical today with your provider’s office! Vist our Website’s Location Page for easy access.
Compliments of Kidshealth.org
Tags: denver, newwestphysicians, physicalexam, sports, sportsphysical