Sports physicals
Find a doctorMost people with a child on a sports team know about the sports physical. These medical visits evaluate whether it’s safe for your child to participate in sports. They’re typically required by your child’s school and the state.
Aurora Health Care offers sports physicals and other routine checkups at multiple locations throughout Wisconsin. Our skilled, compassionate providers help your whole family stay in their best health.
What’s a sports physical?
The purpose of a sports physical is to make sure it’s safe for your child to play sports. The provider will check to see if your child has any conditions or health risks that would make it unsafe for them to participate. You may also hear a sports physical referred to as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE). Most states, including Wisconsin, require children to complete a sports physical before they’re permitted to play school sports.
What’s the difference between a physical exam and a sports physical?
During a sports physical, your child’s provider reviews their health to determine whether it’s safe to play sports. During a physical exam, your child’s provider reviews their physical health along with their social, emotional and developmental health. A routine physical exam is a more comprehensive evaluation of your child’s overall health, including their:
- Behavior
- Bloodwork
- Developmental milestones
- Nutrition
- Sleep habits
- Vaccinations
What’s the difference between a school physical and a sports physical?
School physicals and sports physicals are similar, but they are distinct exams. A sports physical is a requirement for sports participation, while a school physical is a requirement for school enrollment. Like a routine physical, a school physical also reviews your child’s developmental milestones, behavior and recent immunizations.
What to expect during a sports physical
The goal of a sports physical is to determine whether your child has any health issues that would increase their risks for playing sports. Your child’s sports physical usually includes two parts: a health history intake and a physical exam.
Health history
You fill out a form to answer a range of questions about your child’s medical history, including their:
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or asthma
- Family history
- History of hospitalizations or surgeries, if relevant
- Medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- Previous illnesses or injuries
Your child will also answer questions about whether they ever experience specific symptoms during exercise, such as chest pain, fainting or dizziness. They will answer questions about their periods if they are female and about any testicle pain if they are male.
The provider will also ask about substance use, including alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping, diet pills and performance-enhancing supplements. Your child should answer these questions honestly so their provider can accurately assess their health risks.
Physical exam
After discussing the sports physical form and health history, your child’s provider will check their:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Height and weight
- Reflexes, strength and flexibility
- Vision
They also look inside your child’s ear, nose and throat and listen to their heart and lungs to check for any signs of health problems.
Why are sports physicals important?
A sports physical helps to uncover any conditions that could pose a risk to your child while playing sports. Your child’s provider can recommend treatments that lower health risks, such as prescribing asthma medication or referring your child to physical therapy.
Can my child complete an annual exam and a sports physical in one visit?
Yes, many providers offer sports physicals and annual exams at the same time. You can contact your child’s pediatrician or other primary care provider to find out if this is an option.
When to get a sports physical
Experts recommend scheduling sports physicals at least six weeks before the upcoming sports season. This timeframe allows enough time for any necessary treatment so your child can get cleared to play.
Sports physicals can typically be kept on file for a year, but you may need to fill out the PPE form again before each season. You should see your child’s provider whenever they experience health changes to ensure it’s still safe for them to play sports.
Where to get a sports physical
The best place to get your child’s sports physical is with their primary care provider or pediatrician. These specialists have a comprehensive picture of your child’s health and are equipped to offer targeted recommendations.
Many urgent care clinics and schools offer onsite sports physicals, which may be a more convenient option if your child has already had their annual exam. You may reach out to your child’s school to find out if this is an option.
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