PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Every participant in a school sports team is required to complete a pre-participation physical examination, also called sports physicals. Dr. Harris Lee offers sports physicals at his office.

 

Sports physicals consist of two parts: a medical history and a physical examination. The goals of sports physicals are to evaluate an athlete's general health, current fitness level, risk of injury, and physical well-being. Sports physicals are recommended for students and adults that are taking part in:

 

• School or interleague sports program

• Club sports teams

• New fitness regimens

 

A sports physical allows a physician to identify any conditions that might keep the athlete out of the game or affect performance. Athletes should have a physical six weeks before the start of the sport season; however this can vary due to changing sport seasons. This timing provides an opportunity to address an existing injury or improve conditioning prior to participation in the activity.