You already know that playing sports helps keep you fit. You also know that sports are a fun way to socialize and meet people. But you might not know why the physical you may have to take at the beginning of your sports season is so important. Typically sports physicals are mandatory for players, but why stop there? A basketball season can be just as physically and emotionally demanding for a coach as the player. That is why it is essential that coaches also get a check-up prior to the season to make the biggest impact possible.
Our friends at The Whistle have broken down the intricacies of a Sports Physical.
What Is a Sports Physical?
In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for you to participate in a particular sport. Most states 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 sports physical are the medical history and the physical exam.
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)
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- any medications that you are on (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)
