Sports physicals, or preparticipation physical evaluations (PE), are necessary to ensure a young athlete's safety when performing their chosen sport. Though they may seem intimidating, these evaluations can greatly improve athletes' chances of qualifying for their desired sport and help them better adjust to pain points within their performance and body. Learning what to expect during a sports physical can help athletes better prepare for an upcoming appointment.
Put simply, a sports physical determines whether an athlete can safely perform the tasks and activities required by a specific sport. It is usually divided into three parts: the medical history review, the eye exam, and the physical examination.
Medical history review
The medical history review requires some preparation on the patient's or parents' behalf. Document familial or previous histories of heart conditions, head trauma, neurological conditions, and respiratory issues. Note that alerting the provider will not automatically disqualify a patient from participation, but it is necessary for the provider to consider the patient's overall safety. Also, create a list or bring current medications and supplements, frequency of use, and their dosages.
Some providers require urinalysis and blood tests to check for certain conditions that can threaten the athlete's health or those with whom they come in close contact. Depending on their age, female athletes may require a pregnancy test. All patients, regardless of gender, may be tested for conditions transmitted by sweat or spit, but this can also depend on the desired sport.
Eye exam
The provider will check the athlete's vision to determine if prescription eyewear is necessary. Typically, they use the Snellen chart or Big E chart. They may also test how well the eyes work together by having the patient focus on various objects in the provider's hand or around the room.
Physical Examination
The physical examination will take up the bulk of the appointment time. The provider will start by checking the patient's vitals while resting, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. They also check the patient's weight and height.
Moving along, the provider will test the patient's reflexes before coaching them through a series of tasks. These tasks are typically related to the physical exertion involved in their desired sport. Tasks can include but are not limited to the following:
While anyone who physically exerts themselves on a daily or almost daily basis can benefit from a sports physical, they are especially beneficial and likely required for the following:
While parents typically ask coaches or school administration for a list of places to take their child for a sports physical, young adults who wish to play recreational sports may not know where to begin; we can help. Millennium Medical Care Herndon offers sports physicals for anyone living in or around the Herndon area.
Sports physicals are incredibly important, as they ensure you can physically handle all a sport requires. If you or a loved one needs a sports physical, contact us or drop by our office. We provide these evaluations to those living in Herndon and its surrounding areas.
Request an appointment here: https://herndon.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Herndon at (703) 743-7849 for an appointment in our Herndon office
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sports Physicals in Herndon, VA.
Primary care is the first point of contact in the health care system. Primary care providers aim to promote their patients' overall well-being, including their physical and mental health. They provide care through preventative measures and the help of long-term plans for chronic conditions. Knowing what to expect during your first appointment can help foster…
In today's fast-paced world, falling ill can be more than just an inconvenience; it can disrupt your daily routine, affect your productivity, and hinder your overall quality of life. Common illnesses can strike at any time, whether a sudden fever, a persistent cough, or a nagging sore throat. Fortunately, primary care sick visits provide the…
Pap smears are routine screenings that check for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Getting these screenings helps detect these conditions early when they are easier to treat. Patients need to understand their results and when further screening is needed.Also known as a pap test, a pap smear…
A walk in-clinic provides outpatient medical services on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care. They can diagnose and treat sudden illness or injury with professional treatment methods.As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment. They cater to…
If you are ready to take control of your health, contact Millennium Medical Care Herndon…
When scheduling a sick visit, patients can typically expect a prompt appointment, often within the…
Also known as a pap test, a pap smear screens for abnormal cells that may…
These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care.…
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of seeing a primary…
Read about urgent care services. Find out whether you should go to an emergency room…
