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Benefits of Getting a Sports Physical

Benefits of Getting a Sports Physical

 

School Sports Physicals – What to Know

Participation in school sports is an excellent way for students to stay physically active, improve their fitness, experience teamwork, and develop leadership skills. However, before students can hit the field or court, most schools require them to undergo a sports physical.

Sports Physical vs. a Regular Physical

Youth sports pre-seasons are either right around the corner or have already begun. It is the perfect time to schedule sports physicals for children and teens in school sports. When looking for sports physicals near me, it is imperative to understand the difference between sports and regular physicals. A sports physical determines sport-specific activities’ fitness level, flexibility, and strength. It focuses on injury prevention and risk identification of preexisting conditions. It results in a medical clearance if the athlete is deemed safe to participate. A regular physical, in contrast, is a comprehensive health assessment to screen for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and others. It is not specific to musculoskeletal fitness and is conducted annually on every person.

Why Sports Physicals are Often Mandated 

Playing sports is an excellent way to stay healthy and active but can reveal underlying health conditions and predispose participants to injury. Sports physicals are mandated to protect the health and well-being of athletes in specific sports. Required sports physicals vary at the state and local levels and by the specific sport. Most commonly, the groups with mandated sports physicals include the following: high school sports, college sports, youth sports, competitive club sports, and contact sports.

 

 

What is a Sports Physical?

Sports physicals should be comprehensive and include the following parts: medical history, physical examination, vaccination review, cardiovascular evaluation, a discussion on past and current injuries, a nutrition assessment, sports-specific task evaluation, and a decision on clearance for participation in the sport. Even with young athletes, medical and family history are necessary to review to determine one’s safety with the demands of sports. After the sports evaluation screening, the examiner will address any concerns immediately or refer the athlete to a provider specializing in the problem area. For example, the examiner may refer an athlete with multiple prior knee injuries to a physical therapist for rehabilitation or an orthopedist.

About the Physical Examination

The physical examination in a sports physical will reveal evidence of whether the athlete is ready to participate in their sport or not. The assessment of current health will be based on the sport and specific athlete. It will include taking vital signs, testing vision and hearing, and examining muscle, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. If the athlete has a preexisting condition, like diabetes or a muscular condition, the examiner will do specific testing to ensure safety in all situations of the sport. Based on the results, the examiner will screen for past and current injuries and recommend rehabilitation or a training schedule. The examiner will also educate athletes and families on preventing injury and managing health problems during and after sports participation. Annual sports physicals prevent injury, manage health, and consistently track health progression over time.

Conclusion

School sports physicals serve a crucial role in protecting the health and well-being of student-athletes. By identifying potential health issues, preventing injuries, and promoting a culture of health and wellness, these examinations ensure that young athletes can enjoy the many benefits of participating in school sports safely. Schedule a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation today to protect your or your loved one’s health in preparing for a sport.

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Motion PT

Brookfield Phone: (203) 350-6999

SEA GIRT

Sea Girt, NJ Phone: (732) 449-2001

ProActive Physical Therapy

Tucson, AZ Phone: (520) 747-9225

Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy

Phoenix, AZ Phone: (480) 289-5502

Progressive Physical Therapy

Granada Hills, CA Phone: (818) 996-1725

Peak Physical Therapy

Boise, Idaho Phone: (208) 587-1777

All Star Physical Therapy

Murrieta, CA Phone: (951) 304‑7273

Orthosport Physical Therapy

Culver City, CA Phone: (310) 837-9700

Physical Therapy Care

Fort Bend County, TX Phone:

Physical Therapy Specialists

Beverly Hills, CA Phone: (310) 273-7800

Precise Physical Therapy

Kansas City, KS Phone: (855) 745-0278

Manual Edge Physical Therapy

Colorado Springs, CO Phone: (719) 694-8342

TLC Rehab

The Villages, FL Phone:

Northwest Physical Therapy

Sedro-Wooley, WA Phone: (360) 428-2700

Shea Physical Therapy

Corpus Christi Phone: 361-992-1933

Advanced Physical Therapy

Wichita, KS Phone: (855) 745-0278

Strive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation

Moorestown, NJ Phone: (800) 903-4142

Elite Physical Therapy

Alexandria, LA Phone: 318-443-3111

Xcel Sports Medicine

Vandalia, OH Phone: 937-890-9235

Colorado in Motion

Fort Collins, CO Phone: (970) 475-8651

PTPN

Calabasas, CA Phone: (800) 766-7876

Mountain River Physical Therapy

Parkersburg, WV Phone: (304) 865-6778

Preferred Physical Therapy

Kansas City, MO Phone: (866) 412-5554

HPRC

Columbus, GA
Auburn, AL
Columbia, SC
Phone: (706) 322-7762

Evidence in Motion (EIM)

San Antonio TX Phone: 888-709-7096

Fit for Work

San Antonio, TX Phone: 877-348-4975

Rehab Therapy Works

Spring Hill, FL Phone: (352) 597-8996

Lake Centre for Rehab

The Villages, FL Phone: (352) 728-6636

Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy

Lexington, KY Phone: (859) 264-0512

Confluent Health

Louisville, KY Phone: (502) 442-7697

Tallahassee Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy

Tallahasee, FL Phone: (850) 877-8855

ProRehab

Louisville, KY & Evansville, IN Phone: (888) 591-8280

Physical Therapy Central

Oklahoma City, OK Phone: (866) 866-3893

El Paso Physical Therapy Services

El Paso, Texas Phone: (915) 581-9606

Baton Rouge Physical Therapy

Baton Rouge, LA Phone: (225) 206-5292

SporTherapy

Fort Worth, TX Phone: 888-658-8483

Redbud Physical Therapy

Tulsa, OK Phone: (866) 866-3893

Capitol Physical Therapy

Madison, WI Phone: (608) 527-0602

BreakThrough Physical Therapy

Raleigh, NC Phone: (866) 922-0012

Proactive Physical Therapy Specialists

Portland, OR Phone: 866-922-1175

RET Physical Therapy Group

Seattle, Washington Phone: 844-708-7982

Texas Physical Therapy Specialists

Austin TX
San Antonio TX
Phone: 888-658-8483

Pappas OPT Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy

Providence, RI Phone: (401) 205-3423

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