What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is a medical appointment focused on ensuring you’re healthy enough to safely participate in athletic training and games. Many organizations require these specialized physical exams, and you or your child won’t be able to participate until you’ve received documentation.
While many aspects of a sports physical are similar to your annual check-ups, it’s important to understand that you’ll need a separate sports physical to meet most requirements, even if you’ve just had your annual physical exam.
What happens during a sports physical?
During the initial portion of your visit, our team gathers data on your vital signs. We also review your personal and medical histories, including any medications you’re taking and any conditions you’ve been treated for.
An eye exam happens during the next portion of your exam – if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, your practitioner checks that your current prescription is meeting your vision needs.
The last part of your exam is a fitness check. Some of what might be checked during this screening include:
- Joint health
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Strength
- Lung function
- Heart function
Your sports physical is also an opportunity to ask questions about how to properly train for peak athletic performance, as well as ways to reduce the risk of injury during practice and play.
What happens if I “fail” a sports physical?
If your practitioner determines that you’re not physically ready for your chosen sport or athletic pursuit, you could be deemed unfit to play.
While it’s understandable to be frustrated about a “failed” sports physical, it’s also important to acknowledge that the process is intended to prevent you from experiencing a serious medical issue if you push your body too hard.
Some of the issues that can cause you to “fail” a sport physical include:
- Undiagnosed heart murmur
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Hernia
- Recent concussion
Any of these medical conditions can lead to serious harm if you overextend yourself during athletic training, practice, or play. If a medical issue is detected during your physical, it makes sense to address the matter before beginning a new athletic season.
If you or a loved one needs a sports physical or any other specialized exam, call Redwood Family Health Center to set up an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.
