Sport Physicals

Playing on a sports team is a great way to stay physically fit and build confidence. If you or your child plans to play soccer, basketball, or other organized sports, you can schedule sports physicals at Internal Medicine PGH. The skilled medical team offers comprehensive physicals for athletes at all levels. They also provide recommendations to support your performance in the game and reduce your risk for sprains, strains, and other sports injuries. Call the Pittsburgh or Uniontown, Pennsylvania, office today to schedule sports physicals for your family or book an appointment online.

What are sports physicals?

Sports physicals are health evaluations that ensure a person is healthy and capable of engaging in the activities required of a certain sport. This type of preventive physical can also help identify existing medical issues that could interfere with a person’s ability to safely participate in sports.

Internal Medicine PGH offers sports physicals for adults and children that meet the requirements of schools, recreational teams, and other organizations.

The experienced medical team also provides other specialized physicals in-office, including Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals and annual wellness exams.

When should I schedule sports physicals?

Schedule sports physicals at Internal Medicine PGH if you or your child is starting a new sport or registering for organized sports through school, work, or a community organization.

The team also recommends scheduling a sports physical annually, even if the organization you play for doesn’t require an exam. A physical gives you the peace of mind that you or your child can engage in training and other sports activities without compromising your health.

Be sure to schedule an appointment as early as possible, so the team can complete the paperwork you need for team registration.

What happens during sports physicals?

During your sports physical at Internal Medicine PGH, the team reviews your medical history and current health. They also discuss your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle to determine if you need to make changes to support your performance in a chosen sport.

Your provider physically examines many aspects of your health, including:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Heart rate
• Lung function
• Blood pressure
• Joint flexibility
• Muscle strength

The team also provides updates on immunizations that protect against contagious diseases, including the seasonal flu.

If you’re in good health, your provider can recommend exercises you can do to improve flexibility and strength to prevent sports-related injuries. They also offer nutritional guidance to ensure your body has what it needs to function at peak levels.

Adults and children with existing health issues that might prevent them from playing certain sports may need treatment before they can pass their physical. For instance, people with asthma may not be approved to play strenuous sports until their condition is well-controlled.

Call the Internal Medicine PGH office near you to schedule sports physicals for yourself or your family. You can also book a physical online.