What To Expect At Your Physical

Going to the doctor for a physical exam can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never had one. But it’s integral to taking care of your health and ensuring that you’re on track for a long, healthy life. Wolf River Wellness in Germantown, TN, wants you to know what to expect at your physical. We offer a range of services as part of our physical exams, including a complete lab panel, treadmill testing, DEXA bone density testing, ultrasounds, and BCS – body composition scan – which measures visceral fat. These tests can provide you with valuable information about your health and help you and your doctor identify any potential issues early on.

Before Your Appointment

Before you go in for your physical exam, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, if you have insurance, make a point to have proof handy. This can minimize your wait time and make your visit flow more smoothly.

You should also make a list of any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. This can help your doctor identify any potential interactions or side effects that could be affecting your health.

Finally, be prepared to answer questions about your family history and any lifestyle habits that could impact your health, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

During Your Appointment

At your physical, we will want to get a comprehensive picture of your overall health. To do that, we’ll need to know as much as we can about your body, how it works, and how it responds under stress. Here are some things you might experience during your physical exam.

Complete Lab Panel

A complete lab panel is a comprehensive blood test that checks a variety of different markers in your blood. This can include tests to check your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, and more. The results of this test can help your healthcare provider identify any potential health issues and determine whether further testing or treatment is needed.

Treadmill Testing

Treadmill testing, also known as a stress test, is a test that checks how well your heart works during physical activity. During the test, you’ll walk on a treadmill while your healthcare provider monitors your heart rate and blood pressure. This can help identify any issues with your heart’s function and determine if further testing or treatment is needed.

DEXA Bone Density Testing

DEXA bone density testing is a type of imaging test that checks the strength and density of your bones. This test is often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for this condition. During the test, you’ll lie on a table while a scanner takes images of your bones.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are a type of imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your internal organs and tissues. This test is often used to diagnose conditions such as kidney stones, gallstones, and liver disease. During the test, a technician will apply a gel to your skin and use a wand to move over the examined area.

BCS – Body Composition Scan

BCS, or body composition scan, is a test that measures the amount of fat, muscle, and bone in your body. This test can help identify any potential health issues related to your body composition, such as obesity or muscle loss. In particular, BCS measures visceral fat, which is the type of fat that surrounds your internal organs and can increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems.

During the test, you’ll stand on a platform while a scanner takes measurements of your body composition. This test is non-invasive and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.

Overall, these tests can provide valuable information about your health and help your healthcare provider identify any potential issues early on. If your healthcare provider recommends any of these tests as part of your physical exam, be sure to ask any questions you may have and follow any instructions they provide to ensure accurate and reliable results.

After Your Appointment

After completing your physical exam, your doctor will likely review the results with you and discuss any next steps. This may include making recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as increasing your exercise or quitting smoking, or prescribing medications to manage any health conditions.

Suppose your doctor ordered any additional tests or screenings. In that case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment to review the results and discuss any further action.

Next Steps

Now that you understand what to expect at your first appointment, you’re all set for the next steps! Our fantastic team at Wolf River Wellness can’t wait to meet you. Visit us here to schedule an appointment at our stellar Germantown office.