As the weather heats up for the spring and soon summer seasons, kid’s sports go into full swing. Many athletic programs require that kids and teens have sports physical performed before starting a new sport or begin a new competitive season. We all know that sports are a good way for both stay fit, socialize and meet new people. As an adult or parent, you may already understand why your child should have a sports physical completed before the start of a new season, but for a kid or teen the question is “Why?”
What is a sports physical?
Sports physicals, also known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), in the sports medicine field helps determine if your child is healthy enough to partake in a specific sport. These physicals are also designed to help identify kids who are high risk for injuries, illness, or sudden death while playing sports. Most states like Tennessee require that a PPE is on file before kid or teen can participate in a new sport or start in a new season. Even if a sports physical is not required, most doctors still highly recommend getting one.
There are two main parts to a sports physical which include a review of medical history and the physical exam.
What to Expect in a Sports Physical?
To start the sports physical your healthcare provider will review your child’s medical history. The medical history is the most important part of the PPE exam. Immunization records are also reviewed to make sure they are up-to-date.
The doctor will want to know the following about your child’s medical history, including:
- Previous hospitalizations
- Allergies
- Past injuries, such as broken bones, fractures and sprains.
- Medications
- Serious illnesses that run in the family, especial heart issues
During the second part an overall general physical exam will be performed. The sports physical exam is the same for both girls and boys, unless your child has started puberty. The physical exam involves:
- Vision Test
- Record weight and height
- Checking the heart, abdomen, lungs, ears, throat and nose
- Taking the blood pressure and pulse readings
- Asking about alcohol, drug, dietary supplement use
If your doctor considers everything to look good, they will sign off on the physical form. If not, a follow-up exam or more tests may be scheduled to look into potential medical problems.
Understanding the parts of a sports physical helps to highlight why it’s important for your child or teen to have one before participating in sports. Sports physicals help kids and teens understand and treat health issues that may keep them from playing a specific sport. Your child’s doctor may also be able to recommend specific stretches or strength training exercises to help them safely grow and develop in a sport.
If you or your child needs a sports physical completed before they can participate in spring or summer sports stop by your neighborhood Physician’s Urgent Care facility in Franklin or Brentwood, Tennessee. Just walk into any location to be seen by any of the wonderful emergency doctors on staff. No appointment necessary.