Can chiropractors give physical exams required for High school athletics?
No, chiropractors are generally not qualified to perform the comprehensive physical exams required for high school athletics. These exams require a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) to assess a wider range of health issues beyond the scope of chiropractic practice. A chiropractor focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system, while a pre-participation physical needs to screen for a variety of conditions including cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and other potential health problems that could impact athletic participation.