A physical, often called a physical exam or medical examination, is a routine test performed by a healthcare provider such as a doctor or nurse to check a person's overall health. It involves examining the body by looking, feeling, and listening to various parts to assess the basic function of organs and detect any signs or symptoms of medical conditions
. The purpose of a physical exam includes:
- Checking for possible diseases and medical conditions, including cancer
- Identifying medical issues that may become problems in the future
- Monitoring changes in physical health over time
- Ensuring maintenance of a healthy lifestyle
- Helping decide if further tests or specialist referrals are needed
During the exam, vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height, and weight are measured. The provider may also evaluate vision, flexibility, strength, and other body systems depending on the type of physical (e.g., sports physical)
. A physical exam typically includes taking a medical history, asking about symptoms or concerns, and performing a hands-on examination of the body. It is recommended to have a physical exam annually as part of preventive healthcare, even if no symptoms are present
. In summary, a physical is a comprehensive health checkup aimed at assessing and maintaining overall health through a combination of history-taking and physical assessment
