You may already know that playing sports is an excellent way to stay fit, but you may not know why McKinney sports physicals are essential at the beginning of your sports season. Sports physical or preparticipation physical evaluation helps tell if it is safe to participate in your sport. It is vital to have routine sports physicals since they give your provider a chance to detect a potentially life-threatening condition that may worsen with sporting activities. Sports physicals are a prerequisite in most states before playing school sports, but doctors recommend getting one if you are active in any sports, even when not.
What does a sports physical involve?
Sports physical involves two main categories; medical history evaluation and physical examination. Your provider may provide you with a form with questions to which you should fill in the answers. If you can, ask your parents about your family medical history. The medical history form usually involves questions about:
- Health problems that run in your family
- Allergies
- Previous medical conditions and surgeries
- Current medical issues or illnesses, including asthma and diabetes
- Past injuries
- Current medications include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Your provider may also need to know whether you experience breathing problems, feel dizzy, or you’ve ever passed out during exercise. Girls may need to answer questions about menstrual periods, and boys will be asked about testicle pain. Your provider may ask about smoking and vaping, drugs, alcohol, diet pills, and performance-enhancing supplements such as steroids. As you answer these questions, you want to be as honest as possible and not give the answers that you think your doctor wants.
For the physical exam, your doctor will measure and record your height and weight, check your heart rate, blood pressure, heart, and lungs, test your vision and examine your muscles, bones, and joints. However, it is essential to note that sports physicals should not replace your regular physicals. If you plan, your provider may do both in one appointment.
Where should I go for sports physicals?
You can go to your regular doctor’s office for a sports physical since he has more information about your personal health history. Children can get their physicals at school, where stations may be set up and a medical professional assigned to conduct a specific part of the physical exam. Doctors recommend scheduling sports physicals at least six weeks before, so you have enough time for tests and treatment if needed. You don’t want to discover that you have a health problem a day before your baseball practice.
Getting sports physicals annually is okay though you may need to fill out a sports form each session. If you notice new symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain or a recent injury, you may need to see your doctor before you can play. It is also essential to make your coach or gym teacher aware of any health changes you may have.
Young athletes need medical care to help them play at their best, just as any professional athlete. Schedule them for a sports physical at Redwood Family Health Center to ensure they are healthy enough to play.
