4 Questions to Ask About Your Sports Physicals
If you are injury-prone, have underlying medical conditions, or have a personal or family history of cardiovascular concerns, seeing a doctor for a sports physical will help you learn injury prevention techniques and facilitate safe participation in sports. Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui MD offers comprehensive and specialized care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1150 Lee Blvd. #4 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.


Table of Contents:
What is usually included in a sport’s physical exam?
How do you prepare for a sport physical?
When is a sport physical necessary?
What can I expect during a sport’s physical exam?
A sports physical exam is performed to determine whether a person is fit to participate in recreational or professional sports. There are various ways in which healthcare providers measure your physical fitness to assess the safety of playing sports.
Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your medical history as well as a physical examination. The doctor may ask questions about your lifestyle, whether you take medications, whether you have past injuries, and details about your family medical history. The physical exam is similar to an annual checkup, with a specific focus on the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system.
In addition, the healthcare provider may measure your weight, height, pulse, and blood pressure, as well as test your vision, flexibility, strength, and posture, to gain further insights into your fitness. Overall, there are several important components included in a sports physical exam to allow healthcare professionals to accurately determine your health and fitness status.
To prepare for your sports physical appointment, it’s important to gather health information about previous injuries, current health conditions, known allergies, immunizations, medications, and family medical history. You should also be prepared to discuss your training, athletic goals, and any specialized sports equipment that you regularly use, such as braces, eyewear, or orthotics.
In addition, it’s recommended to come to your appointment with a list of questions, so you don’t forget to ask the doctor during your visit. Common topics to ask the doctor about include injury prevention, nutrition, hydration to support athletic performance, and tips for rest and recovery. It’s asked that you wear comfortable, short-sleeved, or loose-fitting clothing to your sports physical exam.
Sports physicals are necessary in various circumstances. Anyone who participates in recreational or competitive sports can benefit from this medical evaluation. Many states, school boards, and sports teams require youth to complete a sports physical before allowing them to participate.
In addition, sports physicals are strongly recommended for athletes who have sustained injuries in the past and want to return to sport. Following a significant injury, most sports organizations require athletes to receive medical clearance from a doctor.
Another reason why sports physicals are necessary is for injury prevention. If you are injury-prone, have underlying medical conditions, or have a personal or family history of cardiovascular concerns, seeing a doctor for a sports physical will help you learn injury prevention techniques and facilitate safe participation in sports.
In summary, there are various reasons why getting a sports physical is important, such as promoting optimal fitness and health, returning to play safely, and preventing injuries. Medical professionals can assess your health status and provide recommendations on how to modify your lifestyle to enhance your fitness and general wellness.
During a sports physical exam, you can expect a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional with a focus on your fitness and ability to safely engage in sports. The doctor will ask you questions about a variety of topics, such as the medications you take, your nutrition, your athletic goals, and any concerns you have noticed. It’s important to answer honestly to ensure the medical professional receives an accurate representation of your overall wellness.
Furthermore, the doctor will perform a physical exam, listening to the heart and the lungs and checking the health of the joints and muscles. The healthcare professional may also test your vision, posture, and flexibility.
After considering all the findings of the evaluation, the doctor will decide whether you are cleared to participate in sports. If so, they will provide you with documentation. In some cases, the healthcare provider may provide a requirement to engage in sports, such as wearing prescription glasses or wearing additional protective equipment.
It’s recommended to visit a doctor for a sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before the activity or sport starts. This provides enough time for any issues discovered during the process to be treated. If you need a sports physical exam, visit Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui, MD, in Lehigh Acres, Florida. We serve patients from Lehigh Acres FL, Fort Myers FL, Buckingham FL, Cypress Lake FL, Gateway FL, Cape Coral FL, Palmona Park FL, and Alva FL.


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