Why Are Sports Physicals So Important?
Young athletes need physical to safely participate in sports
Young athletes need physical to safely participate in sports
Before playing sports, young athletes usually need a sports physical. Many schools and sports leagues require pre-participation physicals, as they are also known, to make sure they are healthy enough to play.
“The main purpose of the pre-participation evaluation is to detect conditions that may predispose the athlete to injury or illness. The optimal timing is 6 weeks prior to the season,” says Paul Stricker, MD, a Scripps Clinic sports medicine pediatrician, Olympic physician and author of “Sports Success Rx!”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends getting a sports physical during your child's annual well-child visit. This physical exam checks if your child is healthy enough to safely participate in a sport or activity. “It is also an important time to address any injuries or illnesses that may have occurred since the last sports physical or well-child visit,” Dr. Stricker says.
Pediatricians can advise on how to prevent injuries and playing sports safely.
“Sports physicals help parents and coaches understand a young athlete’s ability to play a sport. This helps prevent injuries and keep the athlete safe,” Dr. Stricker says.
What happens during a sports physical?
A sports physical involves a check-up and medical history review. “A doctor can gauge the body’s maturity, measure fitness, detect existing injuries and determine the likelihood of future injury; they can likewise give advice on how to avoid injury, or how to play with an existing condition, such as asthma,” Dr. Stricker says.
Key components of a sports physical include:
- Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Measuring height and weight
- Evaluating strength and flexibility
- Reviewing the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
- Discussing the athlete's diet, sleep habits and any use of supplements or medications
- Evaluating different joints and musculoskeletal issues, especially those involved in their sports
The medical history review looks at past health issues and family health background. This helps identify any conditions that might affect the athlete’s health.
The doctor may ask about any heart issues or concerns. Make sure to mention any past heart tests or heart concerns, such as passing out during exercise. It’s also important to mention if anyone in your family has had heart issues. Any history of previous concussions should be discussed.
The doctor may also ask about the young athlete's mental health. Pressures seen in sports can make young athletes feel depressed, anxious or stressed.
Sports physicals also can find special problems that female athletes may have. Young females are more likely to get certain bone and joint injuries, like ACL tears in the knee. Screening questions and tests can help create programs to treat and prevent these injuries, keeping athletes safe.
“Checking for changes in flexibility and strength is important if the child has been growing,” Dr. Stricker says. “Joints should be examined, and any unresolved injuries or pain will be addressed.”
What happens after a sports physical?
If your child is cleared to play, the doctor will sign a sports physical form and add any special notes or concerns. You will need to give this form to the school, coach, or athletic trainer. They will keep it on file for future reference if needed.
Sometimes, your child may need to follow special instructions or have extra tests or treatments, like physical therapy. They might not be able to play due to health issues or a high risk of injury or illness.
Athletes with concussions should get approval from a doctor before playing sports again. A sports physical can assess and guide treatment for lingering concussion symptoms in young athletes.
Benefits of youth sports
Keep in mind sports physicals are designed to support young athletes in participating in sports, not to keep them from playing. The main goal is to check if they are fit for a specific sport and to spot any risks to their safety.
Playing sports offers many health benefits, including lowering the chances of childhood obesity and other weight-related problems.
Sports physicals at Scripps
Sports physicals are available at Scripps HealthExpress walk-in clinics in San Diego County. They are also available at Scripps primary care doctor's offices.