What Does a Sports Physical Involve?

Physical health is key to a long and healthy life, and millions of Americans stay active to help. In 2023, a record 242 million (about 80% of those over age 6) participated in at least one sport or fitness activity, a number that’s grown steadily over the past decade. 

As you’re working to stay fit, especially if you’re active in sports, routine checkups to monitor your health is essential. That’s where sports physicals come in.

At Quality Health Source in Mableton, Georgia, Dr. Temeka Johnson and her team perform these physicals to ensure you or your child is healthy enough for their sport or activity. Here’s what you can expect from a sports physical.

Sports physical basics

Also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation, a sports physical is an exam typically performed for children and teens to ensure they can safely participate in sporting activities; more than half of kids ages 6-17 participate in sports.

These exams can also test the health of an athlete trying to get back into action after an injury or illness. 

We typically schedule sports physicals about 6-8 weeks before a season begins. And because they’re done every year, they can also help track your overall health over time.

What does a sports physical involve?

These exams generally focus on physical fitness, as opposed to regular annual exams, where the screenings are more comprehensive. A sports physical includes:

Medical history

We ask about any preexisting illnesses or a family history of problems to better assess an athlete’s health risks by playing sports.

Reflexes

We perform a neurological screening to ensure your body’s reflexes are normal.

Height and weight measurements

Eligibility for certain sports may rely on how tall, short, heavy, or light you are. 

Vision and hearing testing

Testing your eyes and ears ensures you can command your environment when you’re in the middle of the action.

Examination of bones, joints, and muscles

Most everything that happens in sports relies on the health of your musculoskeletal system, and anything that compromises that can affect whether you get on the field. Range of motion is one of the things we check.

Checking your cardiovascular health

Your heart, lungs, and blood vessels are important for your overall health, of course, but like the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular health is key to engaging in intense physical activity.

Checking vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) and listening to your heart and lungs help confirm you’re ready for the field.

Whether your kid is trying out for a team or you’re trying to get back in the game, Dr. Johnson and Quality Health Source can make sure you’re good to go with a sports physical. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.