What Does a Physical Exam Consist Of?
A physical examination is used to build a relationship with your doctor, ensure you are maintaining a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet, update necessary immunizations, identify any issues that may become medical concerns in the near future, and check for possible diseases that can be treated early. These exams are also a great way to check blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These levels could be high without you showing any signs or symptoms.
Regular screening allows your doctor to help treat these conditions before they become serious. Your doctor may also perform a physical exam before surgery or before beginning your treatment for a medical condition. The examination normally begins with your doctor asking about your medical history, allergies, past surgeries, or symptoms you think you might have.
Additionally, they may ask you about your lifestyle: if you exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol. During the examination, while sitting or standing, your doctor may inspect areas of your body for unusual growth or marks. Then you may have to lie down as your doctor may feel part of your body, like the abdomen, in order to inspect the consistency, location, size, tenderness, and texture of individual organs. Your doctor may also use a stethoscope. Then there is a technique called “percussion,” which involves your doctor tapping the body, helping your doctor discover fluid in areas where it should not be, as well as locating the borders, consistency, and size of organs.
