Sports Physicals

What are Sports Physicals?

Sports physicals are basically sets of exercises in an exam, collectively known as Preparticipation Physical Examination. During daily activity or when taking part in any kind of sports, injuries can occur. These injuries can be temporary or permanent, slight or severe. Sometimes these can go unnoticed. If ignored, they can cause long-term problems as well. Physical exams taken before beginning any new kind of sports are a mandate in many states.

Why are Sports Physicals important?

Based on the kind and severity of physical activity being done regularly, if suddenly the regime or movements change, it can cause complications when starting a new sports activity. Due to this, more than often, doctors advise PPE even if it may not be required before any new competitive season or beginning a new sport.

Medical history and physicals form the two aspects of sports physicals. Let us look at what each half entails.

Under medical history, the doctor can ask you a series of questions regarding your overall health information. This will include questions like:

• Serious illnesses in the family
• Any kind of childhood or current personal illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
• Any earlier hospitalizations or surgeries
• List of allergies, if any
• Any kind of past injuries, internal or external
• If there had been any difficulty in breathing or you felt dizzy during physical activity
• Medications or supplements that you might be using.

Under physical examination, the doctor might check the following:

• Your height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm)
• Your vision
• Your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility

To be efficient at school and sports activities, PPE includes a very comprehensive check that includes physicals as well. It ensures you to be well prepared for any kind of sports activity.