Sports Physicals

Whether you’re playing a sport socially or you’re training as a professional athlete, receiving a sports physical is an important step to starting your sports season off right. Cassie Harrison, NP, at Paradise Family Practice, offers sports physicals year-round to patients in Orange City, Florida. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is a sports physical?

Sports physicals, sometimes called preparticipation physical examinations (PPE), help determine whether it's safe to participate in certain sports. 

Many states require children and teens to have a sports physical before they can begin a new sport or competitive season. However, Paradise Family Practice recommends getting one even if one isn't required.

What does a sports physical entail?

A sports physical has two primary components. Cassie asks about your medical history and performs a physical exam.

Medical history

Your medical history helps Cassie identify any underlying conditions you might have that could affect your ability to participate in athletics. Questions may include:

• Illnesses you had when you were younger 
• Conditions affecting you now, like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Past injuries
• Whether you've had a history of passing out, feeling dizzy, chest pain, or difficulty breathing during exercise
• Allergies and medications
• Known serious illnesses among family members

Learning more about your medical history helps her establish a baseline for your health, considering your circumstances.

Physical exam

Cassie checks a variety of things during the physical exam. You can expect her to:

• Assess your height and weight
• Check your blood pressure and pulse
• Examine your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Assess your vision
• Evaluate your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
• Discuss your use of drugs, alcohol, and dietary supplements

If everything seems fine at the end of your exam, she completes the necessary documentation proving you're fit enough to participate in your sport. In some cases, she may recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for a medical condition.

Why are sports physicals important?

A sports physical can help determine if you have an underlying health condition that could affect your ability to participate in a sport safely.

For instance, if you suffer from frequent asthma attacks but want to try out for a school sports team, Cassie can adjust your inhaler to help you breathe more easily when running. She may also recommend stretching or strengthening activities to help you avoid injury.

If you're looking to jump into a sports season, schedule your sports physical today. Call Paradise Family Practice or request an appointment online.