Categories: Sports Physicals

Importance of Sports Physicals for Young Athletes

Sports physicals, or preparticipation physical evaluations (PE), are necessary to ensure a young athlete's safety when performing their chosen sport. Though they may seem intimidating, these evaluations can greatly improve athletes' chances of qualifying for their desired sport and help them better adjust to pain points within their performance and body. Learning what to expect during a sports physical can help athletes better prepare for an upcoming appointment.

Everything you need to know about sports physicals

What is a sports physical?

Put simply, a sports physical determines whether an athlete can safely perform the tasks and activities required by a specific sport. It is usually divided into three parts: the medical history review, the eye exam, and the physical examination.

Medical history review

The medical history review requires some preparation on the patient's or parents' behalf. Document familial or previous histories of heart conditions, head trauma, neurological conditions, and respiratory issues. Note that alerting the provider will not automatically disqualify a patient from participation, but it is necessary for the provider to consider the patient's overall safety. Also, create a list or bring current medications and supplements, frequency of use, and their dosages.

Some providers require urinalysis and blood tests to check for certain conditions that can threaten the athlete's health or those with whom they come in close contact. Depending on their age, female athletes may require a pregnancy test. All patients, regardless of gender, may be tested for conditions transmitted by sweat or spit, but this can also depend on the desired sport.

Eye exam

The provider will check the athlete's vision to determine if prescription eyewear is necessary. Typically, they use the Snellen chart or Big E chart. They may also test how well the eyes work together by having the patient focus on various objects in the provider's hand or around the room.

Physical Examination

The physical examination will take up the bulk of the appointment time. The provider will start by checking the patient's vitals while resting, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. They also check the patient's weight and height.

Moving along, the provider will test the patient's reflexes before coaching them through a series of tasks. These tasks are typically related to the physical exertion involved in their desired sport. Tasks can include but are not limited to the following:

  • Running in place
  • Stretches
  • Jumping jacks
  • Push-ups

Who needs a sports physical?

While anyone who physically exerts themselves on a daily or almost daily basis can benefit from a sports physical, they are especially beneficial and likely required for the following:

  • Individuals with underlying medical conditions
  • Student-athletes
  • Recreational athletes

While parents typically ask coaches or school administration for a list of places to take their child for a sports physical, young adults who wish to play recreational sports may not know where to begin; we can help. Encompass Care offers sports physicals for anyone living in or around the North Las Vegas area.

Ensure you are prepared for the upcoming season

Sports physicals are incredibly important, as they ensure you can physically handle all a sport requires. If you or a loved one needs a sports physical, contact us or drop by our office. We provide these evaluations to those living in North Las Vegas and its surrounding areas.

Request an appointment here: https://encompasscarelv.com or call Encompass Care at (702) 514-4295 for an appointment in our North Las Vegas office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sports Physicals in North Las Vegas, NV.

Related Posts

How To Improve Brain Health

Maintaining strong brain health is essential for overall well-being, especially as cognitive function can decline with age or due to preventable medical conditions. Prioritizing brain health supports memory, focus, and emotional regulation, which are vital for everyday activities and long-term independence. Patients seeking ways to support cognitive performance can take proactive steps to keep the…

Benefits Of Regular Visits To Your Family Doctor

Having a family doctor offers your family the convenience of seeing one doctor for each member's regular checkups. In addition, these physicians usually encourage their patients to contact them for acute illnesses or injuries. However, it is important not to wait until you or a family member is sick to see your doctor because routine…

Benefits Of Going To A Walk-in Clinic For Immediate Care

A walk-in clinic provides outpatient medical services on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care. They can diagnose and treat sudden illness or injury with professional treatment methods.As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment. They cater to…

3 Services Urgent Care Can Provide

Urgent care centers are a much-needed alternative to emergency rooms. They have grown in popularity and provide an affordable, convenient way to get the medical attention you need without waiting for days. While our urgent care center provides many services, here is a breakdown of three of the most common.Our urgent care facility can provide…

Encompass Care

Share
Published by
Encompass Care

Recent Posts

How To Improve Brain Health

Maintaining strong brain health is essential for overall well-being, especially as cognitive function can decline…

5 days ago

Benefits of Regular Visits to Your Family Doctor

Having a family doctor offers your family the convenience of seeing one doctor for each…

1 month ago

Benefits of Going to a Walk-in Clinic for Immediate Care

As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment.

2 months ago

3 Services Urgent Care Can Provide

Urgent care centers are a much-needed alternative to emergency rooms. They have grown in popularity…

4 months ago

Guide to Medical Weight Loss

There are many benefits of medically losing weight at a medical center, as every patient…

4 months ago

Key Benefits of Regular Physical Exams

Physical exams are essential in any doctor visit and are considered a health screening. In…

5 months ago