Sports Physicals

Playing sports is a good way to keep your body healthy. However, before you start practice or participate in games, you need a sports physical to make sure it’s safe for you to play. At Primary Care Sports Medicine in Agoura Hills, California, Nina Yaftali, DO, provides comprehensive sports physicals for teens and adults. To schedule a sports physical, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What are sports physicals?

Sports physicals are medical exams that determine if it’s safe for you to play your chosen sport. You need sports physicals before you start a new sport or before the start of a new season. 

A sports physical is a comprehensive evaluation of your whole health. However, it’s not meant to serve as a replacement for your annual physical exam. The sports physical focuses on your current health, looking for issues that might put you at risk of developing a sports injury.

Why are sports physicals needed?

Sports physicals are needed because it protects you from getting hurt. The purpose of a sports physical is to find health issues that might affect your ability to play your sport of choice, putting you at risk of injury.

Sports physicals also:

• Assess your current level of health
• Determine the maturity of your body
• Measure your physical fitness
• Look for current injuries

If you have an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, sports physicals provide guidance on how you can adjust treatment to manage your condition while you play your sport.

What happens during sports physicals?

Sports physicals at Primary Care Sports Medicine are comprehensive exams that include a full review of your medical and family history, as well as a physical exam. 

Dr. Yaftali asks about the sport you want to play, reviews your medical and family history, and current or previous injuries. She also asks about the type of medications and supplements you take.

The physical examination Dr. Yaftali performs is similar to your annual physical and includes:

• Measurement of your height and weight
• Checking blood pressure and heart rate
• Vision test
• Checking your heart, lungs, ears, nose, and throat
• Evaluation of your muscles, joints, and flexibility
• Reviewing your usual diet and exercise routine

If your medical history indicates you’re not at risk of injury, Dr. Yaftali clears you for full participation in your sport. She also completes any paperwork provided by your school or sports organization.

Primary Care Sports Medicine also has its own sports physical clearance forms for patients who don’t have any. 

Dr. Yaftali also provides guidance on what steps you can take to prevent injuries while playing, such as the type of protective equipment you need.

Dr. Yaftali requests you complete the patient history portion of your sports physical form prior to your exam.

Don’t wait to schedule your sports physical. Call Primary Care Sports Medicine or book one online today.