Sports Physicals

What is the purpose of a sports physical?

Sports physicals consist of two parts: a medical history and a physical examination. The physical portion is designed to evaluate an athlete's general health, ensure that he or she is fit to participate in a particular sport, and assess his or her current fitness level, risk of injury, and physical well-being. The examination can uncover possible health conditions that may appear while the body is under an extreme amount of stress. Sports physicals are recommended for students and adults who participate in both school and club sports programs.

What type of issues can be uncovered during a sports physical?

On occasion, congenital, or acquired anomalies that increase an athlete's risk of injury may be detected. These can include heart problems, breathing issues, musculoskeletal abnormalities, splenic enlargement, and vision issues.

Can sports physicals prevent injuries?

Sports physicals can uncover an athlete's strengths and possible weaknesses. Some detected weaknesses could contribute to injuries on the playing field. In some cases, all that is required is a tailored strengthening program, designed to enable the athlete to better tolerate the stress of competition. Sports physicals may also show how past injuries have healed and if not, whether any medical intervention is necessary. Medical professionals know what to look for when it comes to musculoskeletal structures to determine if they are strong enough to handle a specific level of play.

Are sports physicals covered under insurance?

This depends on the particular patient and policy. If the athlete is a child, it may be considered a necessary preventative measure and be covered. A sports physical conducted for an adult playing on a summer sports league, however, may not be. At One Stop Family Clinic, if you are due for your yearly wellness physical, we can do the wellness physical if we are in-network with your insurance and complete your sports forms as well for you.