What exactly is a 'physical'?

[foxtrotalpha]

I have seen people posting things about having a physical at the doctors. I had never come across this phrase here in England.
So what is one? And why do you have to get naked for it?

[FergusDunn]

I have seen people posting things about having a physical at the doctors. I had never come across this phrase here in England.
So what is one? And why do you have to get naked for it?


I think where say Americans use the term "physical" we in the Uk may use the term "medical".

So it may vary according to medical history - that is the Doc may check according to the patient certain things he would not check with others.

Basics would be Height - weight - blood pressure - basic eye test - joints etc. hearing etc. lung capacity and so on.
Might take a blood sample - might take a urine sample -

Being naked well it allows the doc to see and check say spinal development
and the all important "cough" test to to check testicles.

I guess many docs just have thier own routine to it all.

Maybe some of our American friends here can post up what thier Physicals consist of.

[Tyler44441]

I think where say Americans use the term "physical" we in the Uk may use the term "medical".

So it may vary according to medical history - that is the Doc may check according to the patient certain things he would not check with others.

Basics would be Height - weight - blood pressure - basic eye test - joints etc. hearing etc. lung capacity and so on.
Might take a blood sample - might take a urine sample -

Being naked well it allows the doc to see and check say spinal development
and the all important "cough" test to to check testicles.

I guess many docs just have thier own routine to it all.

Maybe some of our American friends here can post up what thier Physicals consist of.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. You'll also receive any shots that you may need.