Sports Physical Chiropractor Bozeman Montana

A sports physical is a medical and physical examination that assesses the student athletes overall health and ability to participate in their sports or activities. Sports physicals are often mandatory for student athletes to complete before they can join a sports team or participate in any organized athletic programs. In Montana, the sports physical form can be found on the Montana High School Association website. Listed below are the components looked at with a sports physical:

Medical History:

Medical history will include information about past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, allergies, medications, and any relevant family medical history.

Physical Examination:

A thorough physical examination is conducted to assess overall health. This includes checking vital signs (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate), height and weight. The physician will also examine the individual's eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as the cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, and musculoskeletal systems.

Orthopedic Assessment:

An orthopedic assessment is one of the most important components of a sports physical as the provider will assess overall joint health. This will include components such as mobility, muscle strength, or signs of any pre existing musculoskeletal injuries. This is important to help the athlete avoid further injuries.

Neurological Examination:

The healthcare provider may check neurological functions, including reflexes, coordination, and balance, to ensure that the student athlete does not have any neurological issues that could make physical activity more dangerous.

Cardiovascular Screening:

Cardiovascular exams may include listening to the heart and checking for signs of cardiac health. This is typically part of any sports physical. Special tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) are not typically performed unless there is an abnormal finding with the initial examination.

Discussion of Lifestyle and Habits:

The healthcare provider may discuss the individual's lifestyle habits, including diet, sleep, and any substance use. This information can provide insights into overall health and well-being.

Vision and Hearing Screening:

Basic vision and hearing tests may be part of the examination to assess sensory functions.

The objective of any sports physical is to identify anything health related that could affect an individual's ability to safely participate in the desired activity. If the provider finds a problem during the examination, they will suggest recommendations for further evaluation or treatment.