As companies, sports clubs, and schools try to ensure your safety, specific physicals are often required to make sure you’re up for the physical demands of the task (or sport). Whether your child wants to play on a sports team, or you need to get checked out for a new job, Austin Medical Group provides comprehensive sports and occupational physicals for people in Austin, Texas. To learn more, call or book an appointment online.
Physical Examination Q & A
Why does my child need a sports physical?
Many schools and states are joining the movement to protect kids who participate in organized sports by requiring a pre-participation physical. Even if no physical is required, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s safe for your child to engage in the sport of their choice.
This precaution comes on the heels of high-profile head injuries, as well as the increasing demands that competitive sports are putting on a child’s still-growing body. It’s important to remember that while it’s always a great idea for your child to join a sports team, their bodies are still developing, and they shouldn’t be pushed too hard physically.
Why do I need an occupational physical?
Not every job involves a desk and a computer, which is why many companies and federal state agencies require a physical. For example, truckers need to undergo an examination before they can get a commercial DOT (Department of Transportation) license. The primary reason behind this requirement is public safety on the roads.
Many other occupations require a certain level of physical fitness, including:
- Firefighters
- Military
- Law enforcement
- Construction workers
Even the president of the United States undergoes an annual physical to ensure his ability to withstand the rigors of the job.
What happens during these physicals?
During a sports physical, your doctor reviews your child’s medical history, as well as any history of accidents, especially head traumas. Your doctor also evaluates any medical conditions that could pose a problem, such as asthma or diabetes.
From there, your doctor performs a physical examination that’s much like your child’s annual checkup. Your doctor checks or records your child’s:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Vision
- Musculoskeletal structure
- Ears, nose, and throat
- Lungs
- Abdomen
For an occupational physical, your doctor follows the guidelines of the organization or company you’re hoping to join. Typically, your doctor reviews your medical history and performs a physical examination, concentrating on the areas where you need to meet a certain level of fitness. For the DOT, for example, the doctor checks your vision and hearing, as well as any heart conditions that could prove risky on the road.
Whatever the requirements, Austin Medical Group is set up to provide you with whatever you need concerning sports or occupational physicals. To get started, call or book an appointment online using the convenient scheduling tool today.
