Are you fit for physical activities? You might give a quick yes considering you feel fit, but the absence of a physical limitation or illness does not qualify you for physical engagements. That is why you must submit to Spring sports physicals before participating in sports or specific physically demanding tasks. Besides being a requirement, you can also decide to have a sports physical if you plan to start a new workout regimen. Among the top consideration during and after a sports physical includes:
Medical history
Medical history considers hereditary medical conditions, previous hospitalizations, and treatments like surgeries, prior injuries, allergies, and triggers. The medical history session also accounts for previous events, such as if you have experienced breathing difficulties, chest pains, or loss of consciousness. While you may not be ill, concerns like cardiomyopathies running in your family could mean intensive physical activities should be avoided. If you engage in competitive sports, for example, you increase your risk of developing severe problems like sports-related cardiac arrest. Your current health status may mean you are fit, but genetic predisposition requires you to tread carefully, such as routine screenings, to observe development or avoid intense activities.
Lifestyle checks
Your lifestyle impacts your health and wellness in many ways. During the sports physicals, your doctor will ask about your habits. For instance, they will enquire if you smoke, drink alcohol, take supplements, or other substances. They will also ask about your diet and menstrual periods for women. If you abuse drugs, you may need to detoxify before engaging in physically demanding activities. Drugs don’t just impact your performance; they also increase injury risks. For instance, alcohol can slow muscle recovery after a workout. This increases the chances of injuries, more so with the derailed release of hormones also caused by alcohol. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to be fit for sports or certain physical activities, highlighting the importance of drug tests in the workplace.
Physical exam
A physical exam is what most people think about when a sports physical is mentioned. The head-to-toe examinations look at your height, weight, vision, and hearing. It also digs deeper to examine your lung, heart, and bowel functions, which can signify underlying medical conditions. The physical exam also includes joints, flexibility, strength, and posture. This establishes if your body can withstand the pressure of physical exertion.
Risks mitigation
Discussing the findings with your doctor can help you make a safer decision. After a thorough examination, you will clearly see how well you are equipped for physical activities. If you are at high risk of preventable risks, your doctor can recommend measures to mitigate them and improve performance. For instance, you may need custom orthotics to improve your posture. The doctor could also recommend physical therapy to help improve flexibility and strength or regain better function after an injury.
Sports physicals let you discover more about your health, physical fitness, injuries you might have, and conditions that increase your injury risks. This makes it easier and safer to dive into physical activities and enjoy better performance. Visit Comprehensive Care Clinic today for more on sports physicals.
