Sports Physical in Tecumseh, OK

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we offer sports physicals, also known as preparticipation physical examinations (PPE). These check-ups are specifically designed by our team, led by Dr. Kevin Penwell, to assess an athlete’s health and fitness. The primary aim of the sports physicals we conduct is to prevent injuries and ensure the athletes’ safety during their sports activities. It focuses primarily on aspects critical for athletic performance and injury prevention, such as the physical health of the athlete. Unlike a standard physical exam, it goes beyond identifying potential health problems that could interfere with an athlete’s ability to compete.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, Dr. Kevin Penwell and his team of medical professionals are committed to ensuring the safety and health of athletes who wish to participate in sports. They understand the importance of a comprehensive sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), in determining an athlete’s ability to safely partake in athletic activities. This is especially crucial for students who aim to join school sports teams.

The sports physical offered at Immediate Care of Oklahoma begins with a thorough medical history review. Dr. Penwell and his team will inquire about your current and past medical conditions, injuries, surgeries, and medications. They will perform an in-depth analysis of past illnesses, allergies, and any family history of diseases. They will also check if you have experienced symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or fatigue during previous physical activities. This process is crucial to identifying any potential health issues that may impact sports participation.

Next, a detailed physical examination is conducted. The team will assess your vital signs, like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health. They will inspect your general appearance, including height, weight, and body composition.
A cardiovascular evaluation is also performed, where your heart and lungs are examined to ensure they are functioning properly. Dr. Penwell will listen to your heart sounds, measure your blood pressure, and assess your physical endurance.

The physical examination also includes a muscular-skeletal examination. The team will evaluate your joints, muscles, bones, and spine for any pain, swelling, or range-of-motion limitations. This assessment is crucial in sports as it involves checking your strength, flexibility, and joint function.

A neurological examination is conducted to test your reflexes, balance, coordination, and sensory function, thereby assessing your neurological health. Vision tests may also be performed to ensure your eyesight is adequate for safe participation. In some cases, additional tests, such as urinalysis or EKGs, may be performed to further assess your health status.

After evaluating your physical capabilities and identifying areas that may require improvement or conditioning, Dr. Penwell will provide health recommendations based on the findings of the sports physical. This includes determining whether you are medically cleared to participate in your desired sport, identifying any activities or limitations that need to be implemented for safety reasons, and discussing measures to prevent injuries.

Finally, the healthcare providers at Immediate Care of Oklahoma will devise a follow-up plan for regular examinations to monitor your progress and address any health concerns that may arise during sports participation. If any potential health concerns are identified during the physical, Dr. Penwell may recommend additional tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, our team of qualified healthcare providers, led by Dr. Kevin Penwell, are equipped to conduct both Physical Examinations and Sports Physicals.

Purpose:

A physical examination, conducted by Dr. Penwell or another member of our team, is a comprehensive health check designed to assess a patient’s overall health and well-being. This examination identifies potential health issues, monitors existing conditions, and provides preventive care. It takes into account the patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and any symptoms or medical concerns.

On the other hand, a sports physical is a specialized examination offered at Immediate Care of Oklahoma to evaluate an individual’s fitness and readiness to participate in sports or athletic activities safely. This examination primarily focuses on assessing the individual’s physical capability and suitability for the sport they wish to participate in, with an emphasis on athletic performance and injury prevention.

Scope:

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, the Physical Examination includes a comprehensive assessment of all body systems, with necessary laboratory tests or imaging studies also performed on-site.

Our Sports Physical has a focused scope, typically including a review of medical history specific to sports participation, a cardiovascular health assessment, a musculoskeletal exam, a neurological exam, and an evaluation of any specific concerns related to the chosen sport.

Timing:

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we recommend an annual physical examination for all individuals, regardless of age or health status.
A sports physical is recommended annually before the start of a sports season or when an individual is returning to play after an injury or illness.

Follow-Up:

Depending on the findings of a Physical Examination, additional follow-up tests, treatments, or referrals may be required.
In contrast, a Sports Physical typically results in a clearance or conditional clearance to participate in sports. Specific follow-ups or rehabilitation may be recommended if necessary.

Key Differences:

Dr. Kevin Penwell and the team at Immediate Care of Oklahoma are here to meet your healthcare needs. Whether you require a comprehensive physical examination or a sports physical, we have the expertise and facilities to provide the care you need. The main difference between the two lies in the focus of the examination. while physical examinations assess overall health; sports physicals concentrate on assessing fitness for sports participation.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we understand the importance of a sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). This check-up is designed to assess an individual’s safety and suitability for participation in a particular sport, and it is a service that our own Dr. Kevin Penwell and the team regularly provide.

Whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or a student participating in organized sports, a sports physical is a necessary step in ensuring your body can handle the physical stress associated with your chosen sport. This is especially true for children and teenagers, whose growing bodies have unique developmental considerations.

Dr. Kevin Penwell, a seasoned practitioner with expertise in sports medicine, understands the importance of these examinations in identifying potential health risks and preventing complications that may arise from sudden intensive workouts. He also advocates for sports physicals for individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart issues, as well as those with a family history of cardiac or other medical conditions.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we also strongly recommend a sports physical for anyone who has experienced previous sports injuries or health issues before returning to the game. Our team can evaluate if the injury has healed completely and determine any measures needed to avoid re-injury.

While a sports physical might seem unnecessary to some, it provides valuable information to guide appropriate exercise participation and is a proactive step towards health and safety in sports. Consult with Dr. Kevin Penwell or another member of our healthcare team to determine the appropriate frequency for sports physicals based on your individual circumstances and activity levels. With convenient locations in the OKC metro area, we are always available to provide you with the care you need.
 
For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 502 N Broadway St, Tecumseh, OK 74873. We serve patients at convenient locations in OKC near Del City and Midwest City, West Moore, South Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Tecumseh (near Shawnee), and Norman, OK. Looking forward to serving you!