Before hitting the field, court or track, every athlete needs to make sure their body is ready for the season. A sports physical is an important step that helps ensure athletes are healthy, safe and prepared to perform their best. This quick and simple exam by a primary care doctor givesparents, coaches and players peace of mind before the season starts.
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is a routine medical evaluation by a doctor to determine if an athlete is medically fit to participate in a sport. During the sports physical, the provider will do a few things:
- Medical history review: Each athlete will need to fill out a few forms, listing past injuries, illnesses and any other medical conditions they have.
- Physical examination: The provider will perform a physical examination of the athlete. This includes checking the athlete’s:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision
- Heart and lung function
- Joint flexibility, strength and posture
- Risk assessment and clearance: Based on the results from the physical examination, the provider then determines and makes the decision of whether or not the athlete is cleared for participation in the sport.
Sports physicals are required once a year to help ensure athletes are safe and able to participatein the sport of their choice.
Why should I get a sports physical?
Sports physicals play a key role in keeping younger athletes safe by detecting potential medical concerns before they have the chance to become serious. Sports physicals are essential for multiple reasons:
- Preventing injuries: Sports physicals can uncover potential health concerns early, which helps reduce the risk of injuries before they happen.
- Health baseline: These sports physicals create a starting point for your overall health, making it easier for providers to monitor changes and quickly address any new or unusual symptoms that you may be facing.
- Guidance and support: Providers use physicals as an opportunity to share practical tips with athletes on maintaining health throughout the season and avoiding injuries.
What should I bring to my sports physical?
To have a smooth evaluation, it’s best to bring the following to a sports physical appointment:
- Completed medical history forms
- A list of all current medications that the athlete is taking
- Glasses or contacts if the athlete requires vision correction
- Any relevant medical records
Next steps
If you’re in need of a sports physical, it’s important – and easy – to set up an appointment with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. Many of our primary care and sports medicine providers atNGPG are accepting new patients and can even see you within a day. You can find a provider who best suits your needs on our website.