Before hitting the field or court, it's important to schedule a sports physical to make sure your child is healthy and ready to play. While it might feel like another item on your to-do list, these physicals are essential for your child’s safety and performance. Experts from Children's Hospital Colorado break down why they matter and what to expect during the visit.
Summer always races by, and before we know it, children will be heading back to school. Before school starts, many adolescent athletes will start preseason practices for fall sports. Prior to the start of preseason, all young athletes should have a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) or sports physical to ensure they are healthy and ready to return to sports.
While it might sound like another item on the long list of to-dos before the hectic school year begins, experts from our Sports Medicine Center have provided a rundown of what you can expect at your athlete’s visit.
Why are sports physicals important?
The goal of a sports physical is to ensure that your child is healthy enough to participate in the sport that they love. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) requires all athletes to have medical clearance prior to the start of each school year in order to participate in sports. These yearly physicals not only protect your child, but also:
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Ensure safety
- Identify new injuries or underlying conditions for further treatment
- Provide a safe space to talk about concerns
Where and when should my child have a sports physical?
It’s best to see your child’s primary pediatrician or family doctor for a yearly well-child visit, including a sports physical. Your family doctor knows your child best and already has essential family and past medical history information. If your doctor finds anything concerning during the sports physical, the specialists at the Sports Medicine Center and other specialists throughout Children’s Hospital Colorado, are available for further evaluation.
Ideally, sports physicals should be done 6 weeks prior to the start of preseason practice. This allows time for consultation with specialists if any injuries or health concerns are noted during the exam.
What should my child bring to a sports physical?
Much like a regular health check-up, it’s important that your doctor is in –the know about any differences in your child’s health. There are several forms and information that you should bring or send with your athlete to their sports physical, including:
- A sports clearance form to be signed by the doctor, if one is required from your child’s school. It’s important to check with your physician, as they may provide this form at their office instead.
- Complete medical records
- Identification and insurance information
- A list of your child’s current medications
- Information on known allergies
What does a sports physical exam entail?
The sports physical exam is similar to a normal well-child check-up. After arriving, you’ll be asked to provide a detailed overview of past medical and family history. It is very important, especially if someone other than your regular doctor is performing the sports exam, to accurately and completely fill out the pre-participation history form.
In addition, this is what else you can expect at your child’s visit:
- Measurement of height and weight
- Blood pressure measurement to check cardiovascular health
- Examination of the head, eyes, ears, neck and throat, heart and lungs, and abdominal region
- Assessment of strength and flexibility
- Review of eating habits, nutrition and weight loss or gain
- Review of immunization history
- Examination of any specific known problem areas or sites of previous injury
Are there specific questions that parents should ask during the exam?
Sports physicals are a great time to ask sports-related questions, communicate about any existing injuries and to ask questions about the child's overall health. Some of the questions you may consider include:
- Will my child receive vaccinations during the physical?
- Are there any medications or supplements my child should avoid taking?
- What should my child do if they experience any pain or discomfort during sports?
- Is there anything we can do differently at home to complement their activity?
What happens after the exam?
After the exam, if the physician feels that the athlete is healthy and safe to participate, they will complete the clearance form that you can return to your child’s school. If your athlete needs further evaluation, or other medical tests before they are cleared to play, arrangements for the next steps of the evaluation will be made. The goal is to get your athlete back to the sport they love as soon as it’s safe.
