Sports Physicals Exams

Sports physicals are examinations. Most schools, camps, and organizations require a sports physical in order for your child to participate in sports or physical activities. Your child’s healthcare provider does a physical exam and takes a complete medical history. You can get a sports physical at your healthcare provider’s office, urgent care centers, and some drugstores.

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a test. Most schools, camps, and gyms require a physical before your child can participate in sports and other physical activities. Healthcare professionals also administer this sports physical test.

Your doctor examines your child during a sports evaluation. They should ask about their health and review their medical history. Your doctor will look for conditions that put your child at increased risk for injury, illness, or other health problems that may result from physical activity.

Physical activity helps your child play the sport as safely as possible. They provide important information to parents, guardians, and coaches regarding the health of the young athlete. With this information, you can work together to prevent injuries. They are intended to facilitate and encourage participation, not to exclude athletes from participation.

How common are sports physicals?

The building is very popular in sports, especially for children and young people. In the United States, more than half of boys 6 to 17 play sports or take sports classes. Most schools, camps, and institutions require an athletic body test. It takes a long time before your child is allowed to play sports and do certain activities.

What can I expect during a sports physical exam?

Your doctor will take a complete medical history and complete a physical exam. They will ask about your history of illnesses, diseases, and conditions. Your doctor will also ask you questions about your baby's health, including:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.
• Allergies, asthma, or other breathing concerns.
• Current fitness level.
• Dizziness, heat illness, or history of passing out during physical activity.
• Eating habits, diet and nutrition, and weight loss or weight gain.
• Immunization history, including the date of your child’s last tetanus and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Medications your child takes.
• Menstruation cycle and any history of problems with the genitals or urinary system.
• Mental health or mood disorders, such as depression.
• Past surgeries or injuries, including fractures and concussions.

During a physical examination, your healthcare provider will:

• Do a neurological exam and test your child’s reflexes.
• Evaluate their eyesight and hearing.
• Examine muscles and bones, testing a range of motion, alignment, and balance. They’ll examine your child’s spine for signs of scoliosis.
• Feel your child’s abdomen.
• Look in your child’s nose and throat.
• Listen to their heart and lungs.
• Measure your child’s height and weight.
• Take their vital signs (such as blood pressure and heart rate).

What can I expect after a sports physical exam?

If your doctor decides it is safe for your child to exercise, they will remove it. This way your child can participate. Or your doctor may include a requirement that your child must meet before they can play. For example, if your child wears glasses, he must use prescription goggles while playing sports.

At the end of your visit, your doctor will complete the necessary sports fitness. This form contains information about your child's health, medical history, and any conditions that may increase the risk of injury. The form may also include a child's immunization record.

If the doctor gives your child permission to play, he or she will sign the form. They also have any information about special needs or special concerns. Sports fitness is determined by the school, coach, or athletic trainer. They keep your form on file so they can refer to it when needed.

Where do I go to get my child a sports physical?

You can get a sport physical at:

• Your child’s pediatrician.
• Your healthcare provider.
• Urgent care clinics.
• Some pharmacies or drugstores.

Sometimes, schools offer physicals at special clinics on school grounds. A healthcare provider comes to the school to do the examinations.

When should I get my child a sports physical?

Healthcare providers usually recommend getting sports physicals exam about 6 to 8 weeks before the activity or sports season begins. This gives you time to have your child evaluated. It also gives the healthcare provider time to treat any issues discovered during the physical.

Your child will likely need to get a sports physical every year. If they’re recovering from an injury, they may need more than one sports physical in a year.

What is the difference between sports physical and an annual physical?

During a sports physical, your healthcare provider evaluates your child’s health with a specific sport or activity in mind. The exam assesses your child’s ability to participate in a particular activity safely.

An annual well-check or physical examination evaluates overall health and evaluates your child’s health and eligibility for participation in an activity.

What are the possible results of a sports physical?

After the physical, your healthcare provider may tell you that your child is:

• Cleared to play all sports without restriction.
• Cleared for certain activities or sports only.
• Cleared to play with certain restrictions or requirements.
• Allowed to participate after another evaluation or treatment (such as physical therapy for an injury).
• Not eligible to take part in activities due to health conditions or because the risk of illness or injury is too high.

What if my child’s provider finds a problem during the sports physical?

If your healthcare provider discovers an injury or a symptom that might indicate a problem, they may recommend another evaluation. Your child may need a follow-up appointment if they have conditions such as:

• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome.
• History of concussions.
• Injuries or problems with their musculoskeletal system.
• Lung conditions like asthma.
• Neurological disorders, including pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy.