A physical for sports is a comprehensive examination that is used to determine whether or not an athlete is physically fit to participate in their chosen sport. The physical will assess the athlete’s overall health, as well as their specific abilities related to the sport.
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Introduction
Sports physicals are done to make sure that young athletes are healthy and fit enough to participate in their chosen sport. The exam usually takes place during the pre-participation phase of sporting events, often called “try-outs.”
During the physical, the doctor will ask about the athlete’s medical history and current health. They will also do a thorough physical examination. This will help to identify any potential health problems that could prevent the athlete from safely participating in their sport.
The doctor may also order some tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, if they think it is necessary. Once the results of these tests are available, the doctor will be able to give a final opinion on whether or not the athlete is healthy enough to participate in their chosen sport.
The Physical Exam
For those who have never been through the process, here is a quick rundown of what to expect when you go in for your physical exam. The doctor will start by taking your height and weight. They will then proceed to take your blood pressure and heart rate. Next, they will check your vision and hearing. After that, they will test your flexibility and range of motion. Finally, they will check for any injuries or illnesses.
Height and weight
The first thing that will happen at your physical is that the doctor will take your height and weight. They will also check your blood pressure and pulse. The doctor or nurse will also ask you some questions about your health history. This is called a medical history. The doctor will ask about any illnesses or injuries that you have had in the past. They will also ask if you have any allergies or conditions that run in your family.
Blood pressure and pulse
Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked to make sure they’re within a healthy range. The normal blood pressure for a young person is 120 over 80 (120/80).
Vision
During the vision exam, the doctor will test your child’s visual acuity — how clearly they see at a distance. The doctor will also check for any pain or redness in your child’s eyes and will look for signs of disease such as a bulging eyeball, cloudy lenses or abnormal pupils.
General appearance and nutrition
The first part of the physical is focused on general appearance and nutrition. The physician or nurse will ask about eating habits, bowel and bladder habits, and whether any weight has been gained or lost recently. They will also check blood pressure and pulse, and look for any signs of illness, such as rashes or enlarged lymph nodes.
Musculoskeletal
The musculoskeletal exam is an important part of the physical exam for athletes. This exam is performed to check for any abnormalities or injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons.
The doctor will start by asking about any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. He or she will then perform a visual examination of your entire body, looking for any swelling, bruising, or deformities. The doctor will also feel (palpate) different areas of your body for tenderness or abnormal bumps.
Next, the doctor will test your range of motion by having you move your joints in different directions. He or she will also test your strength by having you squeeze his or her hand or push against his or her resistance. Finally, the doctor may ask you to walk, run, or jump so that he or she can observe your movement and look for any limping or abnormal gait.
The musculoskeletal exam is an important part of the physical exam for athletes because it can help to identify any existing injuries or problems that could predispose you to injury in the future. It is important to remember that this exam is not intended to diagnose every possible condition; only a thorough medical history and physical examination can do that. However, the musculoskeletal exam can give the doctor valuable information about your overall health and fitness level and help him or her to make recommendations about how to best care for your body
Cardiovascular
The cardiovascular portion of the physical will assess the heart and lungs. The doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope to check for any irregular heartbeats or murmurs. They will also take your blood pressure and pulse.
Heart and lungs
The heart and lungs will be checked for proper functioning and any signs of disease. The doctor will listen to the heart with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds that may indicate heart problems. The doctor will also check the lungs for any signs of respiratory disease.
Exercise stress test
An exercise stress test is a cardiac stress test that uses an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure your heart’s response to physical activity. The test is also called a treadmill test or an exercise tolerance test.
The test is usually done on a treadmill or a stationary bike. As you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. The test may be stopped if you develop chest pain, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, or excessive fatigue.
Your doctor may recommend an exercise stress test if you have signs or symptoms that may be related to heart disease. These include:
– Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
– Shortness of breath with exertion
– A family history of early heart disease
– A personal history ofheart disease, heart attack, or stroke
You may also have an exercise stress test to help diagnose other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
– Anemia
– Arrhythmias
– Asthma
– Bronchitis
– Emphysema cardiomyopathy
Neurological
Most sports physicals will check your neurological status. This includes testing your vision and hearing. The doctor will also test your reflexes and your ability to touch your nose with your eyes closed.
Head and neck
A head and neck exam is an important part of any physical for sports. This exam checks for signs of injuries or conditions that could affect your ability to play safely.
Your doctor will check your head, neck, and face for any signs of swelling, bruising, or pain. They will also look for any bumps or lumps on your head or neck. They will feel your lymph nodes to see if they are enlarged.
Your doctor will also check your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They will look for any signs of infection or injury. They will also check your vision and hearing.
Reflexes
Reflexes are one of the things that your doctor will test during a physical for sports. Reflexes are involuntary muscle reactions that occur in response to a stimulus. The stimulus can be anything from a noise to a touch. The reflex allows your body to react quickly to changes in your environment.
There are two types of reflexes: positive and negative. Positive reflexes are those that cause your body to move away from the stimulus. Negative reflexes are those that cause your body to move towards the stimulus. The most common type of reflex is the patellar reflex, which is also known as the knee-jerk reflex. This reflex is a positive reflex that causes your leg to kick out when the kneecap is tapped.
The patellar reflex is produced by the stretching of the quadriceps muscle in the thigh. This muscle is attached to the kneecap, and when it stretches, it causes the kneecap to jerk upwards. This movement is called a contraction. The contraction of the quadriceps muscle is what causes your leg to kick out when the kneecap is tapped.
There are many other types of reflexes, but they all work in a similar way. When a stimulus hits a receptor, it sends a signal to the spinal cord. The spinal cord then sends a signal back to the muscles, telling them to contract or relax. This whole process happens very quickly, and it allows your body to react without you even thinking about it!
Conclusion
Based on the results of the physical, the doctor will either clear the athlete to participate in sports or recommend further testing or treatment. If the athlete is cleared, the doctor will provide a sports physical form that must be signed by both the doctor and the parent or guardian. The form will list any medical conditions that may need to be taken into consideration during athletic activity.