When the exam is over, the provider will complete and sign a form indicating fitness to participate in the sport, if all is well. In some cases though, the provider may recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems. Young athletes shouldn’t worry that additional follow-up care means being benched. A sports physical’s ultimate goal is to ensure athletes are safe while playing sports – not to stop them from playing. Additional follow-up could be as simple as rechecking blood pressure in a few weeks. A referral to a specialist could ultimately help athletic performance, such as in the case of slight knee pain during running that an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist can demystify and treat.