A sports physical should be thought of as a basketball game: it has four quarters. During the first quarter, our clinical staff members will monitor your vital signs, including pulse and blood pressure. Weight and height will also be documented to determine any stress on joints, muscles, and bones.
The second quarter will be an eye exam. During the eye exam, the provider will clinically verify that you can see properly or if prescription glasses are needed, or if a change in existing prescription glasses is required.
The third quarter of the sports physical is a review of your medical history. For this quarter, please provide a list of past or recent illnesses, surgeries, or conditions, such as birth defects, diabetes, asthma, or chest pains. This information is vital in helping our health care providers identify potential problems that may require further extensive testing, possible referrals to specialists, or activity restrictions to prevent any future complications.
The last quarter is important: the control of physical form. During the fitness check, a complete physical exam will be performed, including the heart, lungs, and abdomen to ensure they do not have any physical limitations, such as uncontrolled asthma, recent surgeries, or a hernia that may affect your fitness ability to play safely. This quarter also involves flexibility and control of joints by evaluating your strength, flexibility, posture, and joints. A provider can identify any areas that may be prone to injury and suggest possible exercises and tips to help build a healthier body.