Congratulations, your child made the team! You’ve got your foam finger and bleacher seat ready, but is your child ready to play? Before the whistle blows, make sure your athlete has a sports physical. A sports physical can help prevent injuries or find hidden health problems that, if left unchecked, could keep your kid on the sidelines.
What is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical, or pre-participation exam (PPE), is required by many schools before a student can participate in sports activities. And, even if it isn’t required, it’s a good idea to have one anyway.
A sports physical is different than a regular physical. It assesses your child’s health as it relates to sports. There are two main components: the medical history and the physical exam.
It’s important to provide a thorough medical history during your child’s sports physical. This includes things like:
- Major family illnesses – this can give clues to potential illnesses your child may have, or things to watch for during physical activity.
- Past surgeries or injuries – your provider will make sure your child has properly recovered from previous injuries or surgeries and discuss ways to prevent future injuries.
- Current medications – including herbal supplements and vitamins.
- Current medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or epilepsy.
Be sure to include all information in your child’s medical history. Health conditions rarely keep an athlete off the field. In fact, your health care provider might suggest alternative treatments or preventive measures to ensure your child gets the most from his sports experience.
Some areas you can expect your provider to check to make sure your student athlete stays in the game and out of physical therapy:
- Musculoskeletal system – your child’s bones, joints, flexibility and posture
- Neurological exam – this focuses on reflexes and coordination
- Lungs, abdomen, throat, ears and nose
- Heart – a screening echocardiogram (EKG) may be performed to check for any underlying heart conditions
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
Some providers require a blood test and urinalysis. They might ask your teenage daughter about her menstrual cycle, too.
When Should My Child Get a Sports Physical?
Sports physicals usually happen before school starts, or about six weeks before the sports season begins. This allows time to follow-up with a specialist or to get further testing, if needed.
Does My Child Still Need a Regular Physical?
Sports physicals focus on your child’s medical condition as it pertains to sports. But, it’s still important to get a comprehensive medical exam every year. A regular physical addresses health-related issues a sports physical doesn’t. Check with the Providence Medical Group appointment desk to see if you can schedule both during the same visit.
Sports Physicals Available at Providence Medical Group
If your child needs a sports physical, making an appointment with your primary care provider is definitely an option. But most physician assistants (PA-Cs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) at Providence Medical Group can provide this service, too. So keep that in mind when you request an appointment.
To make an appointment with Dennis Nagy, call the Providence Medical Group Clinic in Monroe at (360) 794-7994. And join us at the grand opening of the new Providence Medical Building Monroe Clinic on September 28.
To find the Providence Medical Group Clinic in your neighborhood, call (855) 477-6864.
Dennis Nagy is a physician assistant at Providence Medical Group’s clinic in Monroe. He’s a graduate of Wichita State University and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He enjoys caring for entire families – from kids to grandparents – and believes in building a partnership with his patients. Dennis lives in Monroe with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he likes having fun with his family, fishing and spending time in the beautiful outdoors. To make an appointment with Dennis, call (360) 794-7994.