Based on an interview with and medically reviewed by Scott T. Burger, DO
You don’t just want your child to have fun playing sports. You also want them to stay safe be safe while they run, jump, tackle or shoot the ball. That’s where sports physicals come in.
Sports physicals are medical evaluations that help ensure children and teenagers are healthy enough to participate in sports. Also known as a preparticipation physical, this exam helps identify health conditions that could increase injury risk. The State of Maryland requires young athletes to complete a sports physical to play for a school-sponsored team. Here’s what you need to know about this key exam.
Is a Sports Physical the Same as a Regular Physical Exam?
No, a sports physical is different from a regular physical exam.
A regular physical exam may be part of a well-child exam or checkup. During the physical exam, the medical provider evaluates your child’s overall health, including physical functioning, mental health, development, vaccination status and more.
A sports physical has a narrower focus. The medical provider reviews your child’s medical history and evaluates their physical condition, specifically to determine whether it’s safe for them to participate in their chosen sport. The provider will consider factors such as heart, bone and joint health. [H2] Why Are Sports Physicals Important?
A sports physical allows your child’s medical provider to find and treat any health issues that could pose a risk during sports. This reduces the risk of serious problems during practices or games.
“We want to learn about any injuries a child has had in the past, so we can make sure they’re fully recovered and understand what sort of impact those injuries could have on their sports participation,” said Scott Burger, DO, chief medical officer at University of Maryland Urgent Care. “Plus, we want to make sure that if a child has underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, they’re well-controlled, and the child has what they need to safely participate in sports.”
Preparing for a Sports Physical
Sports physicals don’t require much preparation. Learn when your child should have them, who can perform them, what to take to the appointment and more.
When to Start Having Sports Physicals
Most children start having sports physicals between the ages of 8 and 10, Dr. Burger said. However, your child may need to begin sooner, depending on their sport. It’s a good idea for your child to have a sports physical even if they’ll be competing for an organization that doesn’t require them, like a recreational team. They should have an exam at least once a year or if anything has changed in their health.
Schedule your child’s exam one month to six weeks before their sport starts. That way, they’ll have time to start training after the exam or get treatment for any problems it may uncover.
Who Can Perform the Exam?
Your child’s pediatrician is well-positioned to perform a sports physical because they know your child’s health best. Other options include family medicine or urgent care providers. UM Urgent Care locations offer sports physicals seven days a week, with no appointment necessary, making it easy to get one near you.
How Much Does the Exam Cost?
Sports physical costs and insurance coverage vary. Check with the medical provider’s office about the exam fee and with your insurance company to see whether your plan will cover all or part of the exam.
What to Take to the Appointment
Take these key items to your child’s sports physical:
- A copy of the exam form from the state, school or league for the provider to complete
- A list of your child’s medications
- Their prescription glasses or contact lenses, if they wear them
What to Expect From a Sports Physical
You can be present during the exam to help answer the medical provider’s questions and support your child. The provider will ask about your child’s personal medical history, including past injuries or surgeries, as well as their family medical history.
“In terms of medical history, it’s important to make sure kids don’t have any red flags,” Dr. Burger said. “For example, is there any family history of a genetic condition that could affect sports participation? Has the child had repeated episodes of passing out or chest pain while playing sports? We want to identify anything that might need further evaluation.”
After taking the medical history, the provider will:
- Check your child’s muscles, bones and joints
- Evaluate their posture
- Listen to their heart and lungs
- Measure their height, weight, blood pressure and pulse
- Test their vision
Most children and teenagers pass the sports physical without any problems, and their provider clears them to play.
What Happens if a Sports Physical Reveals a Medical Problem?
Rarely, the exam identifies a problem that could make playing sports unsafe if left untreated. For example, the provider might find signs of a congenital heart defect, which affects 40,000 babies born every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, they might hear a heart murmur, which could indicate an atrial septal or ventricular defect. On the other hand, the provider might detect instability in a joint, potentially setting the stage for injury.
Depending on the problem, the provider might recommend medicine or another form of treatment, such as sports physical therapy, to reduce your child’s injury risk. They may also refer your child to a specialist, like a pediatric cardiologist or orthopaedist.
In Conclusion
Getting a sports physical is one of the most effective ways to ensure your child can play the sport they love safely. Keep these facts in mind:
- The ideal time for your child to get a sports physical is one month to six weeks before their season starts, which leaves time to treat any problems that the doctor may find.
- During the exam, the provider will ask about your child’s medical history and check their physical health, looking for heart, lung or musculoskeletal problems that could affect sports participation.
- Most children are cleared to play sports. If the exam finds a problem, the provider will recommend additional evaluation, prescribe treatment or refer to a specialist.