Understanding the Importance of Athlete Physicals

Sports physicals are an important tool to identify your child’s health condition and determine whether they are physically eligible to participate in a specific sporting activity safely. Also known as preparticipation physical examination, a physical comprises a comprehensive physical and neurological examination that must be performed by a licensed professional. This is done to rule out conditions or abnormalities that may place them at a higher risk for sports-related injuries. This blog will help you understand what is sports physical therapy, its benefits, and what happens during such sports physical exams.

While most schools require their athletes to undergo a sports physical at the beginning of the school year to qualify for participating in any sport, several states have made it a mandatory requirement to be followed by schools and coaches. As these tests are crucial to diagnosing potential risks that may impair your child’s health, they are considered essential to your student athlete’s health care. Also, they offer you peace of mind about your child’s well-being while participating in the sport of their choice.

Sports physicals are vital for high school athletes since high school athletic associations such as FHSAA require an adequate level of fitness for the players. While your child may be without any major health issues, without physicals, it is difficult to determine whether their bodies are physically equipped to take on the strain of their sports.

During the preparticipation physical evaluation, the physician fills the findings of the PPE in the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form. It is essential to complete the athletic clearance before they are allowed to play the sport.

Besides qualifying the student for athletic activities, sports physicals offer several other benefits, such as:

1. Early Diagnosis of Ailments and Other Conditions

When you go for a sports physical exam, the physician performing the tests will enquire about several issues that may impact your child’s health, such as:

• Family medical history
• Addictions
• Allergies
• Current medication
• Fitness level
• Eating habits
• Immunization
• Prior dizzy spells during physical activities
• Reproductive health
• Past injuries and surgeries
• Mental health

The physician will then conduct several tests to check your child’s:

• Height and weight
• Vision and hearing
• Nose and throat
• Abdomen
• Heart and lungs
• Blood pressure and pulse rate
• Bones and muscles to examine their physical agility, range of motion, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility
• Reflexes through a neurological test

You must carry certain documents and records that facilitate the student athlete’s sports physical examination and ensure the procedure goes smoothly. They include:

• Proper identification
• Correct sports physical form for your home state, available online on your state’s athletic association website. The form must be duly filled with your child’s accurate medical details and must contain relevant certifications, consents, and signatures needed along with the form.
• Vaccination records
• A list of recent ailments and injuries
• A list of current medications

What should you wear for a sports physical examination?

Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes that allow free movement. Some tests may require you to move, which will be difficult if you wear restrictive or tight clothing.

Can I drink water before a physical?

Yes, drink plenty of water and fluids to ensure you are adequately hydrated for the test.

Are meals allowed before a physical?

Fasting for a few hours before the test may be recommended for a sports physical. Eating a heavy meal before the test may hamper the movements needed to perform certain physical tests.

Can I work out before a physical?

You must be well rested and hydrated for your physical. Working out right before a physical, besides making you tired, may impact your vital stat readings.

If you are looking for a walk-in healthcare facility for your child’s sports physical in Clearwater, FL, One Medical Center is here for you. Our team of licensed providers is equipped to provide you with the highest standards of service needed for performing the sports physical test with accurate results you can depend on. For more information on sports physical examinations, contact us today to receive affordable, fast, and quality service.

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One Medical Center is top-notch urgent care in Clearwater, FL. Our team is committed to provide you with high-quality medical treatments. Visit us today without any upfront appointment to experience world-class care near you!