Does your son/daughter play sports? Then you should definitely know about this Sports Physical!

You know how good exercise is for your body. But you may not know how important it is to get a sports physical before starting a sports season. Today, we'll talk about this in simple, Sinhala language that you can understand.

What is a sports physical?

Simply put, another name for this is Preparticipation Physical Evaluation ( PPE ) . It is a physical fitness assessment done before participating in sports. This test mainly checks whether you can safely participate in your sport. In many countries, such a test is mandatory before playing sports, especially in school. However, even if it is not mandatory, doctors say that it is a good idea to get one if you are actively involved in any sport.

There are two main parts to this sports medicine examination:

1. Reviewing the medical history .

2. Conducting a physical examination .

Let's look at these two separately.

Let's first look at Medical History.

This involves asking you a few questions. Often, you will be given a form with these questions to take home. Then you can fill out the answers together with your parents . If possible, it is very important to ask both parents about any illnesses in the family. Because some illnesses can be hereditary, right?

This medical history form includes questions about things like:

• Illnesses in the family: For example, does anyone in the family have heart disease or diabetes ?
• Current medical conditions you have: Asthma , Diabetes Mellitus, recent COVID-19 conditions, or Sickle cell trait.
• Have you been hospitalized or had any surgeries before?
• Allergies: Some people get allergic reactions to insect bites or certain foods. Things like that.
• Old injuries: Do you have any concussions, sprains, or broken bones, such as a head injury that caused you to lose consciousness?
• While exercising:Have you ever felt faint, dizzy, had chest pain, or had difficulty breathing? This is a very important point.
• All medications you take: This includes over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements you use, and prescription medications.

Imagine that you are using some nutritional supplement without telling your doctor. It may affect not only your sports performance, but also your health . So you need to tell everything .

Just as boys may be asked about testicular pain, girls may be asked about their periods. The doctor may also ask about smoking and vaping, alcohol, drugs, diet pills, or sports performance-enhancing supplements, such as steroids.

When answering these questions, you must tell the truth . Do not lie or give answers that you think the doctor will like. This is for your own safety.

Next is the physical examination.

After discussing your medical history, the doctor will examine you. This will usually include:

• Your height and weight are measured and recorded.
• Blood pressure and pulse are checked. When checking the pulse, the heart rate and rhythm are checked.
• We're checking your vision. Good vision is essential for some sports.
• They listen to the heart and lungs. They check for any strange sounds while breathing and whether the heart rate is normal.
• Your muscles, bones, and joints are examined for strength, flexibility, and pain.

This doctor's appointment is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your health , diet, and exercise. Don't be afraid to ask the doctor anything.

Why is this sports physical so important?

There are several reasons why this is important.

• Can identify undiagnosed health problems: You may have some minor issues with your body that you don't even know about. This test can find such things and treat them before they affect your athletic performance or increase your risk of injury.
• For example, if you have frequent asthma attacks, your doctor may be able to change your medication to make it easier for you to breathe while you run.
• Tips to prevent injuries:Your doctor can give you training tips that are right for you, or they can recommend specific exercises or physical therapy to help prevent injuries.

Imagine, there is a young boy named Nishal, who plays in the school cricket team. He had a little pain in his knee, but he didn't take it seriously. The doctor at the sports physical saw it and referred him to physical therapy. So, what could have been a major injury was resolved in a small way.

When and where should this test be taken?

Many young people get this sports medicine exam from their regular doctor because they know you and your health history best. Sometimes schools organize these exams themselves. You can go to "stations" set up in the school gym and complete each part of the exam. Each station has a medical professional at it.

The most important thing is to schedule this test at least 6 weeks before your season starts. Why? If the doctor finds any problems, he or she will have plenty of time to do the necessary tests, get treatment, or see a specialist. Imagine, if you get tested the day before baseball practice and there is a problem, it will be very inconvenient for both you and the doctor.

These sports medical exams are usually valid for about a year . However, you may need to fill out a new form for each sports season. If there are any changes in your health history, for example, a new injury, or if you develop new symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you will need to see your doctor again before you are allowed to play. Be sure to tell your sports teacher or coach if there are any changes in your health .

What if there is a problem with the test?

For most athletes, everything is fine, the doctor fills out the form and signs it. But for some, the doctor may prescribe medication, ask you to come back for a follow-up exam, do more tests, or recommend a treatment like physical therapy. All of this is done to help you play safely.

What if your doctor doesn't give you the "OK" to play sports? Don't worry. If your doctor asks you to do more tests, it could be something as simple as checking your blood pressure again. Or it could be adjusting your asthma medication.

The main purpose of this sports medicine examination is not to stop you from playing, but to ensure your safety while you play.

It is very rare for a doctor to say that an athlete cannot play their sport at all. However, that does not mean that you cannot play any sport. For example, if you have had multiple concussions, you may not be able to play a high-impact sport like football. However, you may be able to play another sport, like tennis.

Then don't we need a regular annual physical?

Don't confuse the two. A sports physical focuses on your health while you're playing sports. However, regular annual checkups are still very important for your overall health and well-being .

The good news is that if you plan ahead, your doctor can do both of these tests on the same day. When you schedule your annual checkup, tell them you also want a sports medicine exam. That way, your doctor can schedule a time that works for both.

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

Just as world-renowned professional athletes need medical care to perform at their best, so do young athletes. You can benefit from the same benefits as those professional athletes by getting your annual sports physical.

So, if you are an active person who loves sports, then definitely consider this Sports Physical. It will not only help you stay safe, but it will also help you improve your skills!

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