Playing sports, even just recreationally, is a great way to stay fit and active. Joseph Gelinas, ARPN-CNP, and the team at Grand Lake Healthcare in Grove, Oklahoma, routinely provide sports physicals, which include examining each patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam to make sure health concerns won’t impair athletes. Sports physicals can prevent serious injuries and can even save lives. To schedule a physical at Grand Lake Healthcare for you or your child, call or use the online booking tool today.
A sports physical is a short, yet comprehensive exam that determines whether or not it’s safe for you or your child to participate in sports. Most states actually require that children and teenagers undergo a sports physical before signing up and participating in a new sport or at the outset of a new competitive season. However, even if your child isn’t required to get a sports physical, the providers at Grand Lake Healthcare still highly recommend having one.
Even if you’re an adult, having a sports physical can be beneficial before you undertake a new sports activity. It’s always better to know 100% for certain if you’re in good enough overall health to take part in whatever sport you’re considering.
A sports physical typically involves two sections: the medical history section and the physical exam section.
During the medical history portion, your provider asks you a series of questions about a variety of topics, including:
Then, during the physical exam, your provider generally:
After your exam, your provider will either fill out and sign a form if everything appears fine, or, in some cases, they’ll recommend more follow-up. That could mean additional tests and screenings, or specific treatment for medical problems.
It’s important to get a sports physical because your provider ensures you or your child can safely play. For instance, certain symptoms you have that may indicate a heart problem could make sports that are running intensive not ideal for you. With the help of Grand Lake Healthcare’s providers, together you can figure out alternative forms of physical activity that better suit you.
If you need to schedule a sports physical, call Grand Lake Healthcare or use the online booking tool today and set up a time to come in today.
