Sports Physicals

A sports physical exam, known as a pre-participation physical examination, is an exam to help determine if it is safe for someone to participate in a specific sport. There are two parts to this exam: medical history and physical exam.

This exam will give you a chance to learn and deal with health problems related to your participation in a specific sport. Depending on what the provider learns during the exam, he or she may recommend stretching routines or prescribe medication or inhalers that may help you better perform without difficulty.

The goal of the sports physical is not to prevent someone from playing, but to make sure someone can play safely in a healthy manner.

During this part of the exam, you may be asked about:

• Severe illnesses in the family
• Illnesses and diseases you may have had when you were younger, including asthma, epilepsy, and diabetes
• Allergies
• Hospitalization and surgery history
• Injuries you’ve had
• Medications you are currently taking

For this part of the exam, a provider or clinic staff member may:

• Make a record of your current weight and height
• Examine your vision
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Check your heart rate
• Check your lungs, ears, and throat
• Examine your strength, posture, and flexibility

After your exam, your provider will fill out a form if everything is well, or suggest another exam, test, or treatment depending on your needs.