What Is a Sports Physical and Who Should Get One?

In Texas, student-athletes must undergo sports physicals once a year. Although more common among children, adults may want to get them, as well. Whatever your age, learn what to expect and how to best prepare.

More than half the children in the United States ages 6-17 play sports in school, camp, or other organizations. Most of these require a sports physical.

It’s not a prerequisite for adults participating in recreational sports, but a sports physical is a good idea for anyone planning to engage in physically demanding activities.

Whether you’re a student-athlete or an adult hoping to up your game, our compassionate team, led by Jennifer Ukwu, MD, at Botany Wellness in Pearland, Texas, offers sports physicals and holistic health care to keep you and your family in tip-top shape.

What happens during a sports physical?

While an annual physical covers general wellness, a sports physical focuses on a patient’s ability to play a specific sport. During your sports physical, Dr. Ukwu first takes your medical history. She checks your vision, joints, and lungs. Then, she screens for:

Cardiovascular problems, such as heart murmurs
Sensory function, motor control, and reflexes
Range of motion and other orthopedic issues

She also checks height, weight, and other functions, addresses your eating habits and nutritional goals, and asks about any extensive weight gain or loss.

You may be asked to provide additional information, such as:

Past illnesses, allergies, and immunizations
Former injuries, including broken bones and concussions
Hospitalizations and surgeries
Medicines and supplements currently taken
Previous sports-related problems, such as chest pain, heat stroke, or dizziness
History of family illness

After the physical, she provides tips about hydration, protective gear, proper warmups, cooldown techniques, and sports safety.

What health issues may arise?

Rarely, certain conditions may be uncovered during a sports physical, such as:

Lung conditions, including asthma and chronic bronchitis
Bleeding disorders
Cardiovascular disease
Genetic disorders
Injuries or musculoskeletal problems
Neurological issues, including epilepsy or pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS)

Should we uncover any issues, Dr. Ukwu addresses potential health problems, especially those that might affect your participation. We evaluate your or your child further to pinpoint the best course of action. Otherwise, we approve your paperwork, which remains valid for one year.

When to get a sports physical

We suggest getting a sports physical about two months before the season to allow time to evaluate you or your child’s health. If the doctor identifies any health matters, she discusses how to play safely with a particular illness and what supplements or medicine may help.

When you’re ready to get the ball rolling, simply call our office or schedule an appointment at Botany Wellness today through our online booking feature.