Why You Need a Physical Before Playing Rough Sports

Even if you feel great, playing sports can be hard on your body. Physical exams are important before starting any rough sports. These exams provide a lot of beneficial information before you start the season.

• Determining your health—The doctor will perform tests and measurements to check your overall health. These include your resting heart rate, height, weight, blood pressure and general vision.
• Checking your fitness level—The doctor may test your strength and stamina, which will help determine whether your body will be able to bounce back from physical stress.
• Detecting preexisting conditions—The physical will help determine whether you have a preexisting condition that would affect your recovery should you get injured.
• Evaluating existing injuries—The doctor can determine whether existing injuries would affect your ability to play. He or she may suggest certain restrictions in order to keep you from aggravating the injury.
• Detecting your maturation—Everyone matures at a different rate, and the doctor will check your height and weight to see if your body will be able to handle the physical nature of the sport.
• Detecting congenital abnormalities—Sometimes people are born with abnormalities that aren’t readily apparent but could impact their risk of injury.
• Detecting poor conditioning—If you needed to physically condition before the start of the season, the doctor may need to determine whether you have met the proper conditioning guidelines.

Unless the doctor finds something alarming or disconcerting, he or she will most likely give you clearance to play your desired sport. Visit this website for physical examinations in San Diego.