DR. YOUNG DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICALS
“SPORT PHYSICALS ARE KEY TO DETERMINE IF A PLAYER IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR SPORT”
During a physical exam any health or physical issues the athlete may be experiencing is identified and treated. Most states require physicals for athletes before they start a sport or begin their season. Even if the state doesn’t require one, most doctors do recommend them.
Dr. Young discusses the importance of physicals
A football player comes in and gets their pre-participation physical exam. He finds out that there's a problem that needs to be evaluated. Maybe he even needs an X ray or an MRI. It’s better that this gets sorted in the Spring rather than right as training camp begins in August so they don't miss any time.
Because we do [physicals] in a large group setting, we are able to identify conditions that athletes might have soon enough to actually get them addressed before the season.
THE TWO MAIN PARTS TO A SPORTS PHYSICAL ARE THE MEDICAL HISTORY AND THE PHYSICAL EXAM.
Physical Examination
Taking weight, blood pressure, pulse, and recording height
Testing vision, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
Evaluating posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
Medical History
Family history of illness
Athlete's known illnesses (asthma, diabetes)
Past illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries, allergies, injuries
Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures
Medications athlete is consuming
Questions can vary and change per gender specifics.
During the Spring, SMASA helps the school districts accomplish their goal to have their student-athletes examined to assist some of the primary care provider offices that would otherwise be filled with physicals—which are hard to schedule for any office.
Because physicals are so important to the safety and health of athletes SMASA contributes their services to the school districts. To schedule your sport physical reach out to your primary care physician or any of our medical professionals.