What Tests One Needs To Undergo For Sports Physical Exam?

Posted on Wed, 4 Jul 2012

Question: Hello, my son needs to go through a sports physical. What exams will be perform ? thank you.

Answered by Dr. Puneet Maheshwari (5 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query,

Well, let me start from beginning.

What is a Sports Physical?

In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it's safe for you to participate in a particular sport. Most places actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a PPE isn't required, doctors still highly recommend getting one.

The two main parts to a sport physical are the medical history and the physical exam.

1-Medical History
This part of the exam includes questions about:

#serious illnesses among other family members
#illnesses that you had when you were younger or may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
#previous hospitalizations or surgeries
#allergies (to insect bites, for example)
#past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
#whether you've ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble #breathing during exercise
#any medications that you are on (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)

Physical Examination--

During the physical part of the exam, the doctor will usually:

#record your height and weight
#take a blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm) reading
#test your vision
#check your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
#evaluate your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility.

Hope this will help you and I am ready for future follow-ups.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Puneet Maheshwari (8 hours later)

Thank you. Will my son have to disrobe completely ? (he is nervous).

Answered by Dr. Puneet Maheshwari (1 hour later)

Hi, thanks for the query.

No need to get tensed, he should be confident, I m sure that everything will be all right.

All the very best for his exam.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Puneet Maheshwari (3 hours later)

Thank you. So no genital exam is performed during a sports physical ?

Answered by Dr. Puneet Maheshwari (47 hours later)

Hi again,

Though it is part of general check up, genital examination is not always compulsory.

regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar