Sports Physical $25

Sports physicals are very important to ensure the health and well-being of your little one on and off the field. So, we’re here to teach you everything you need to know about sports physicals – from who needs one to why get one – to help you kick off your next sports season, whatever it may be, safely and conveniently. It’s important to note that a sports physical does not take the place of a regular annual checkup or physical because a sports physical focuses on health history that may have a direct impact on a child’s ability to play a sport. While a sports physical does typically cover much of what happens during an annual physical or exam, it’s still important to schedule a separate annual checkup for your little one in addition to any physicals that may be required for participation in sports. 

What happens during a sports physical?

Think about a sports physical like a basketball game – it has four quarters. During the first quarter, a nurse or other member of the clinical staff will check your athlete’s vitals, including pulse and blood pressure. Weight and height will also be documented, since growth spurts and weight changes can place added stress on joints, muscles, and bones. The second quarter is an eye exam. During the eye exam, the provider will check that your athlete can see properly or whether he needs prescription lenses or a change to his existing prescription lenses. The third quarter of a sports physical is a review of medical history. Come to your athlete’s appointment prepared with a list of any past or recent illnesses, surgeries, or conditions, such as asthma or chest pains. This information will help the provider identify potential problems that may require further testing, referrals, or activity restrictions to prevent complications in the future. The final quarter is an important one – the fitness check. During the fitness check, a thorough physical exam of your athlete will be performed, including heart, lungs, and abdomen to make sure he or she doesn’t have any physical limitations, like uncontrolled asthma, recent surgeries, or a hernia that might affect his or her ability to play safely. This quarter also involves a check of the joints and flexibility. By testing your child’s strength, flexibility, posture, and joints, a provider can identify any areas that may be prone to injury as well as suggest potential exercises and tips to help build a healthier body.

What should I bring to my child’s sports physical?

We want to make getting a sports physical for your child as easy as possible. Make sure you bring with you proper identification and the appropriate sports physical form for your state. Fill out your child’s sports physical form, which often includes a detailed health history, certifications, consents, and signatures, before your visit. The specific form you’ll need can usually be found online on your state’s athletic association website. It’s always a good idea to also take along a list of your child’s medications, recent surgeries, injuries, and illnesses so that the provider has a complete understanding of anything that may put your child at risk.

Is it possible my child won’t pass his or her sports physical?

Yes. If your child is deemed unfit to play a sport due to medical concerns – like a recent concussion, hernia, undiagnosed heart murmur, or uncontrolled asthma – he or she will not pass the sports physical. Our top priority is keeping our patients healthy and safe – so if your child does not pass the exam, we’ll work with his or her pediatrician to make sure they get the care they need to get in the game.

*Did you know that 62 percent of all organized sports-related injuries happen during practices rather than games? With more than 46 million kids participating in sports each year, making sure your athlete is okay to play is the first step in getting ready for the big game.

Sports physicals are largely required by athletic leagues and schools − and for good reason. They raise awareness of any issues, like hernias and uncontrolled asthma that may interfere with your child’s ability to participate in a sport.