Even though we are in the middle of summer, now is the time to start thinking about those required physicals for the fall and even the winter sports seasons.
A sports physical is an annual requirement for any student athlete in Connecticut. The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for an athlete to participate in a school sport, and can be conducted by any primary care or sports medicine provider.
A sports physical is important because it can help determine and deal with any health problems that might interfere in playing a sport.
For example, a basketball player who experiences frequent asthma attacks may be able to receive a prescription for a different kind of inhaler which will make it easier to breathe when running.
There are two major components to a sports physical: the medical history and the physical examination.
The medical history portion of the exam includes questions on serious illnesses among other family members, illnesses that the athlete has had previous hospitalizations, allergies and past injuries.
Reviewing the patterns of illnesses in the athlete’s family is a good indicator of any potential conditions.
The physical part of the exam usually includes recording the patient’s height and weight, taking blood pressure and pulse, testing vision, checking the lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat and evaluating posture joints, strength and flexibility. Additionally, listening to and evaluating the heart for any abnormalities in rate or rhythm is an integral part of the exam.
In addition to detecting any health conditions, a sports physical is important because the doctor may recommend specific exercises such as certain stretching and strengthening activities that can help prevent injuries.
Following the doctor’s advice can help boost any athlete’s performance.
Getting a sports physical once a year is usually adequate.
If an athlete is recovering from a major injury—such as a broken wrist—he or she should be examined before practicing or playing again.
The sports physical should take place about six weeks before the particular sports season starts.
Putting off a sports physical can result in a condition that needs to be taken care of before the athlete takes the field or court resulting in an unhappy athlete, parent and coach.
Keep in mind, a sports physical cannot replace a standard physical—there are differences.
The sports physical focuses on a patient’s well-being as it relates to playing a sport and is more limited than a regular physical.
During a regular physical, the doctor will address a patient’s overall well-being which may include questions unrelated to sports.
The physician may even able to conduct both types of exams during the same visit.
You can have your student athlete’s sports physical completed at Med-Help Urgent Care, which is located at 539 Farmington Ave in Bristol, 860-314-6046.
Med-Help is open 365 days a year and no appointment is ever needed.
Robert Holzhauer, PA-C, is a physician assistant with Bristol Hospital’s Med-Help Urgent Care in Bristol. For more information, please visit bristolhospital.org