What to Expect at a Sports Physical

Key Takeaways

• A sports physical is a comprehensive exam designed to assess a child’s ability to participate in sports.
• A physical involves a review of the child’s medical history, an assessment of the child’s overall health and wellness, and ultimately, a clearance for participating in the sport if applicable.
• A sports physical is often required and recommended before beginning a new sport, starting a new sports season, or participating in a summer camp.
• If issues are found during your physical, your provider may recommend additional testing or treatment to address them before allowing you to participate in a sport.

What Is A Sports Physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive medical evaluation used to assess a child’s physical readiness for participation in sports. Sometimes referred to as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), this exam is often required to ensure a child is healthy and physically prepared to participate in a sport without incurring significant health risks.

These exams involve a review of your child’s medical history and a thorough assessment of their current health benchmarks. If the provider finds no concerns, they will then confirm the child’s medical eligibility to participate in sports. 

All together, a sports physical is an important practice in preventive medical care to catch issues before they arise and ensure safe participation in sports. Understanding what to expect from a sports physical will equip you to prepare for an exam and ensure that you have 

The Purpose of a Sports Physical

The purpose of a sports physical is to ensure that a child is in good physical condition and that participating in sports will not pose any additional risk to their health. In many cases, a sports physical plays a crucial role in catching injuries or underlying conditions before they can develop into more serious health concerns.

A sports physical accomplishes the following:

• Assesses fitness for sports participation 
• Identifies underlying health issues
• Spotlights concerns that could lead to avoidable sports-related injuries

A sports physical is often required by schools and youth sports leagues to ensure a child’s physical fitness for participation in sports. However, even if a physical is not required, it is still a good idea to receive one for health and safety reasons.

What Is Included in a Sports Physical?

A sports physical consists of a review of a person’s medical history, a comprehensive physical examination, and clearance for participation. 

Review of Medical History

A review of your medical history will give the examining doctor context for any existing conditions your child may have experienced. This review will also give the doctor an idea of whether there are any specific issues to look deeper into and whether they may affect your child’s participation in sports.

This review will ask about all of the following areas and whether they are applicable to a child:

• Allergies
• Previous illnesses
• Family history of illnesses
• Past hospitalizations
• Past injuries, like sprains, concussions, or fractured bones
• Past surgeries or advanced medical procedures
• Any past difficulty breathing, dizziness, or discomfort while participating in sports
• Current and past medications taken, including prescription medications, herbal or homeopathic supplements, or over-the-counter medications.

A healthcare provider may also ask questions about mental health and lifestyle habits, including nutrition, use of drugs or alcohol, and current level of physical activity. Understanding medical history is crucial for identifying any areas of concern that may require additional examination or may cause hesitation in approving sports participation.

Comprehensive Physical Examination

The physical exam will focus on assessing your general health and wellness by evaluating various bodily systems. The exam will begin with measuring height and weight before doing a more thorough check of your vitals.

This examination will include conducting a measurement and assessment of all the following:

• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Cardiovascular assessment of the heart and lungs
• Musculoskeletal assessment of joint health
• External examination of the abdomen

In some cases, more specific testing may be necessary, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess risk for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This will depend on the child’s medical history and any discoveries made during the physical exam. A knowledgeable physician will be able to explain when further evaluation is necessary and what testing may be needed.

Clearance for Participation

The final step in a sports physical is a clearance for participation in a given sport. If your physician conducts the full examination and does not find any issues of concern, then they will sign off to approve your participation. 

The provider will complete a PPE form that outlines all your answers surrounding medical history and the results of their health assessments. At the end of the form, your provider will sign off to confirm your medical eligibility to participate. They can also sign off on any other specific forms you may bring that are required by your program.

Differences Between Sports Physicals and Annual Physicals

There are some key differences between an annual physical and a sports physical. An annual physical is more thorough and comprehensive, designed to assess overall health and wellness through multiple types of evaluations. As the name suggests, an annual physical should happen yearly. 

Meanwhile, a sports physical considers the health and wellness of the child within the specific context of playing sports. While this type of exam is helpful for assessing one’s health for sports participation, it could miss other underlying conditions not related to physical activity. This type of exam should happen at the beginning of each new sports season.

Even if a sports physical is required at some point during the year, your child should still receive both. A sports physical is not a replacement for a thorough yearly wellness visit.

When and Where to Get a Sports Physical

You should get a sports physical before beginning to play any new sport. However, it’s advised to get a physical before the start of any new season, regardless of whether you’ve played before. Some summer camps may also request a sports physical before participation. Even when not required, consider a physical examination to ensure your child’s health and wellness before participating in sports.

Some locations that may offer sports physicals include. 

• Primary care providers 
• Urgent care providers
• Some walk-in clinics
• Schools
• Health clinics 

Try to schedule at least a few weeks in advance of the start of the season. Often, if you attempt to schedule a physical right before the sports season, you may find it difficult to schedule an appointment due to the influx of people also attempting to get a physical. That said, here at Arrowhead Health, we offer both same-day and next-day appointments to make getting your physical as convenient as possible.

What Happens if Issues Are Found?

If any concerns are identified during your physical, your provider may recommend additional testing based on the specific issue at hand. They will often recommend scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider or general practitioner who can perform a more thorough examination and recommend additional tests, such as blood work or lab work, if needed.

It’s often a good idea to get a physical directly from a family practice and primary care provider, as they will be able to develop a comprehensive and customized treatment plan to support your recovery, all in one location. Depending on the type and severity of the issues identified during their assessment, your provider may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Preparing for a Sports Physical

A sports physical is a relatively simple and easygoing exam that requires little preparation. However, do prepare documentation and any concerns you think would be helpful for the doctor to be aware of.

To prepare for a sports physical, you should take the following steps: 

• Gather necessary medical history information
• Bring any forms required by the school, camp, or sports program
• Prepare to discuss any existing health concerns
• Understand the potential outcomes of the physical 

A sports physical provider will often have a PPE form to fill out that you can bring back to your child’s school or sports league. Still, be sure to verify all requirements with the program your child will be participating in so that you can provide the practitioner with everything that is needed.

Get Your Sports Physical at Arrowhead Health Centers

A sports physical is a comprehensive health evaluation that assesses your child’s physical fitness and readiness for sports activities. Scheduling an appointment with a trusted physician will ensure that your child receives a thorough evaluation that determines whether they can safely participate in sports.

At Arrowhead Health Centers, we offer same-day or next-day appointments to make getting your sports physical as convenient as possible. With a committed team of expert and friendly providers, you can rely on Arrowhead Health Centers to offer a thorough evaluation for peace of mind. Our clinics offer comprehensive and integrated care, so if any concerns are discovered, our practitioners will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

Schedule an appointment with Arrowhead Health today.