Back-to-School Sports Physical: What Parents Need to Know

As summer winds down, it is that time again, the sports physical time! Time to start thinking about getting kids ready for fall sports and one important step in this process is scheduling a sports physical. These physicals are crucial for ensuring that your child is healthy and ready to participate in their chosen activities. Here’s everything you need to know about back-to-school sports physicals.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is different from a regular check-up. During a PPE a doctor will assess your child’s fitness level and identify any conditions that might prevent them from participating safely in sports. When your child participates in a school sport, they almost always require PPEs. However, many recreational or travel leagues also require PPEs so be sure to check the requirements for all teams.  During the physical, the doctor will typically:

• Review your child’s medical history, including any past injuries, illnesses, or conditions.
• Conduct a physical exam, checking height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse.
• Examine the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat.
• Evaluate the musculoskeletal system, including strength, flexibility, joints, and posture.

Scheduling Tips

Fitting a sports physical into a busy schedule can be challenging, but it’s important not to delay. Here are some tips to help you get it done efficiently:

• Book Early: Schedule the physical well in advance of the sports season to avoid the last-minute rush. If you’re sometimes a little late to the game, like I tend to be, and your pediatrician is booked, consider other options. Many walk-in clinics offer sports physicals. While insurance may not cover the visit, the costs of a walk-in clinic physical is usually minimal.
• Combine Appointments: If your child needs a regular check-up or vaccinations, see if you can combine these with the sports physical.
• Check School/Team Requirements: Some schools and teams require specific forms completed by the doctor, so ensure you have these ready for the appointment.

Questions to Ask

A sports physical is a great opportunity to talk to the doctor about any concerns you might have regarding your child’s health and participation in sports. Consider asking:

• General Health: Are there any health concerns that we need to address before the season starts?
• Injury Prevention: What can be done to reduce the risk of common sports injuries?
• Nutrition and Hydration: What dietary recommendations do you have for young athletes?
• Fitness: Are there specific exercises or conditioning programs you recommend to improve performance and prevent injuries?

Records and Forms

I can’t stress enough the recommendation above to check your child’s school and team requirements in advance! You definitely don’t want to reschedule a visit because of an incorrect form. Additionally, dealing with the hassle and potential extra costs of returning to the physician’s office for a different form is something you want to avoid. After the physical, make sure to keep track of all health records and necessary forms for school or the team. These documents might include:

• Medical History Form: This outlines your child’s medical background and any past injuries.
• Physical Examination Form: This confirms that your child has been examined and is fit to participate.
• Permission Form: Some schools or teams require parental consent for participation in sports.

Conclusion

Prioritizing a sports physical is a vital step in preparing your child for the upcoming school year and sports season. It ensures that they are healthy and ready to participate safely. Taking these proactive steps will ensure you feel confident in your child’s preparation for their athletic endeavors. Don’t forget to schedule that appointment and gather all necessary documents early to avoid any last-minute stress. Happy back-to-school season!

Feel free to leave comments or questions below about your experiences with sports physicals or any additional tips you might have! And check out our 7 Essential Questions To Ask Your Child’s Coach to make sure you are ready for fall sports season.