Sports physicals verify sports fitness and health.
A pre-participation sports physical is a complete physical examination of an athlete prior to her participating in a sport. The examination is usually performed at a doctor's office or on site at schools. The purpose is to screen for any history, symptoms or physical evidence that may have a negative impact on the health of the athlete and her ability to play sports.
Preparation
Paperwork helps fill in the blanks.
According to Dr. Kelvin Brown, a longtime physician, many potential athletes and their families do not take the sports physical as seriously as they should. Upon arrival at the clinic, all patients are required to fill in their medical history and family history sections as thoroughly as possible. Brown states that the medical history part is just as important as the physical itself, as it provides the context with which to clear or not clear the athlete to play.
Physical Exam
A thorough physical can pinpoint problems.
The attending physician will review the paperwork and then start the physical exam. Vital signs are checked with the emphasis on heart rate, rhythm and the potential presence of murmurs. Blood pressure also is taken, as are height and weight measurements. The remainder of the exam focuses on the lungs and abdomen, as well as musculoskeletal and nervous system analyses. Males sometimes can be checked for hernias.
Exam Clearance
Further evaluations can rule out concerns.
If an athlete were to fail his exam, it might mean he needs further evaluation before getting final clearance to participate in athletics. Some conditions that could warrant further tests include a family history of sudden cardiac death before the age of 50, significant shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain or severe asthma. Other red flags could include an active infection, symptomatic hernia, skin rash, remarkably high blood pressure, overall poor health or a musculoskeletal condition or injury.
Reasoning
Young athletes need health screenings.
A sports physical promotes safety for young athletes. Because they are mandatory they are often the first and only encounter these kids have with the medical profession, emphasizing their importance. "More and more young athletes are suddenly dying due to heart disease," states Brown. "There are also rising numbers of chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol among today's youth."
Locations
Various places offer sports physicals.
A sports physical can be obtained at the office of a pediatrician or family practice physician. Retail clinics and sometimes schools invite specific physicians to perform them for their entire athletic student body, usually in the fall. Occasionally, there are health fairs where low cost or free exams are offered to the general public.
Records
Results are readily accessible.
Today, results are digitized and made electronic. This technological advance makes for easy access in case of an emergency or if they need to be shared with other health care providers.
Tags: sports physical, family history, medical history, young athletes
