Getting ready for a new sports season can be exciting for kids and parents alike. But before your child hits the field or court, it’s important to make sure they are physically ready to play. That’s where sports physicals come in.
Sports physicals are more than just a routine check-up at the doctor. They’re an important step in ensuring your child’s health and safety while participating in sports.
We spoke with Samia Kadri, a family nurse practitioner with Banner Urgent Care, to guide us on what to expect during your child’s sports physical.
What are sports physicals?
Often called pre-participation physical exams (PPEs), sports physicals are medical check-ups that assess your child’s health and fitness to participate in sports. Sports exams differ from annual well-child checks, which are more comprehensive and focus on overall health and wellness.
“Sports physicals should be completed before a child participates in any physical activity or sport, at least four to six weeks before sports participation including practices,” Kadri said.
Why are sports physicals important?
Sports physicals are not done to prevent your child from playing sports. Instead, they give you, your child’s provider and their coaches facts to help protect your child and ensure they are prepared to play. This includes:
- Identifying health issues: Sports physicals help identify any underlying health issues that could put your child at risk while playing sports. Early detection and treatment of these issues can prevent serious injuries or complications down the road. “We want children to be in the utmost physical health, as well as prevent any poor outcomes that could be identified during a health exam,” Kadri said.
- Promoting safe participation: By assessing your child’s physical fitness and health status, sports physicals help ensure they can safely participate. This reduces the risk of injuries and allows children to enjoy the benefits of physical activity without putting their health at risk.
- Compliance with regulations: “Schools and sports leagues typically require sports physicals before a child can join a team or start playing an organized sport,” Kadri said.
- Peace of mind for parents: Sports exams provide the peace of mind of knowing that a health care professional has thoroughly checked out your child before engaging in sports. It’s an opportunity to address concerns or questions about your child’s health and well-being.
When should I schedule a sports physical?
Early spring is the time to get a sports physical for summer sports. For fall play, aim for sports exams by early July. However, the timing can also depend on the sport and what state and school district you are in.
Physicals are usually valid for one calendar year, but the school or organization may require an exam before each sports season.
What do they do at a sports physical?
What happens at a sports physical may differ slightly according to the health care professional you see, the organization requesting the exam and the sport for which the exam is required.
However, most sports exams will include a review of your child’s medical history and a physical exam. You may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire to identify if your child may be at risk for anxiety or depression.
Medical history:
- Current fitness level
- Past illnesses, musculoskeletal injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, concussions or chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes
- Allergies, asthma (including exercise-induced asthma) or problems breathing
- Family history of conditions, disorders and diseases
- Current medications
- Eating habits, diet and nutrition
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Immunization (vaccination) history
- Drugs and alcohol use
- Dietary supplements like performance enhancers or steroids
Physical exam:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure, pulse, respiration and oxygen saturation
- Test vision
- Check their heart, lungs, abdomen (stomach), ears, nose and throat
- Check strength, flexibility and reflexes
“During the visit, the provider may discuss the importance of a proper diet, hydration and safety gear,” Kadri said. “Your child may be asked to do a proper squat, walk like a duck and perform frog hops to identify neurological or musculoskeletal weaknesses.”
What if my child’s provider finds a problem during the exam?
For most athletes, everything should check out OK and your child’s provider will sign the form.
Don’t worry if your child’s provider refers your child for additional tests or a follow-up appointment. It might be as simple as adjusting an asthma medication or having an EKG to check their heart.
Remember, the aim is to ensure your child’s safety and not to prevent them from playing altogether. “We want your child to be in the utmost physical health and prevent any poor outcomes that could be identified during a health exam,” Kadri said.
Your child may need additional screenings if they have a:
- Family history of sudden cardiac death or heart disease
- History of muscular or neurological injuries, such as a concussion
- Bleeding disorder
- Any other health issues that could put your child at risk
While rare, there may be instances where your child’s provider advises against a specific sport. For example, if your child has had multiple concussions, football may not be suitable. You may want to consider a different sport, like track or tennis.
Where can I have a sports physical completed?
Many children see their pediatrician, family medicine doctor or regular health care provider to get a sports physical since they know your child best. But there are other options.
You can also get a sports physical at many urgent care clinics and some schools offer physicals at special clinics on school grounds.
Takeaway
Sports physicals are an important part of keeping children safe and healthy while participating in sports. By scheduling regular check-ups and staying on top of your child’s health, you can help them enjoy the benefits of physical activity while lowering their risk of injuries or health problems.
Before your child hits the court or field, make sure they’re cleared to play. Schedule your child’s sports exam with their health care provider or find a Banner Urgent Care location near you.
