Why Are Sports Physicals So Important?

No. A sports physical focuses on whether your child can safely participate in sports, while a well-child visit looks at your child’s overall physical, developmental and emotional health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends completing the sports physical as part of an annual well-child visit whenever possible. Your child’s doctor can also review immunizations, growth, nutrition and other preventive needs.

Completing a sports physical as part of a well-child visit allows your doctor to address both preventive care and sports-related concerns.

 “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.

A stand-alone sports physical can meet school or league requirements but does not replace a well-child visit.

A sports physical includes a medical history review and physical exam to identify health concerns that could affect your child’s ability to play safely.

“A doctor can gauge the body’s maturity, measure fitness, detect existing injuries and give advice on how to avoid injury, or how to play with an existing condition, such as asthma,” Dr. Stricker says.

The exam may include:

• Measuring height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate
• Testing vision
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Examining the abdomen
• Evaluating strength, flexibility, balance and joint function
• Assessing previous injuries or areas of ongoing pain
• Discussing medications, nutrition, sleep and mental health

Rapid growth can affect strength, flexibility and movement, so doctors pay close attention to muscles and joints.

Your child’s medical history is an important part of a sports physical. Tell the doctor about symptoms or concerns, even if your child can still play.

Be sure to mention:

• Previous injuries, surgeries, physical therapy or concussions
• Asthma, allergies, seizures or other medical conditions
• Medications and dietary supplements
• Chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or excessive fatigue during exercise
• Fainting, near fainting or irregular heartbeat or heart condition

A sports physical also gives young athletes a chance to discuss stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep and eating habits. Sports pressures can affect an athlete’s emotional well-being.

For athletes who menstruate, the doctor may also ask about periods, nutrition and bone health. Missed or irregular periods, stress injuries or not eating enough may mean the body needs more energy for exercise, growth and recovery.

The doctor may also discuss injury risks that are common in female athletes, including ACL tears, and recommend prevention strategies.

Bring:

• The school or league’s required sports physical form
• A list of medications and supplements
• Information on previous injuries, surgeries and concussions
• Relevant medical records or test results
• Glasses, contact lenses, inhalers or other equipment your child uses
• Details about significant health conditions in the family

After the exam, the doctor may clear your child to play, recommend activity changes or request additional testing or treatment.

Follow-up care does not always mean your child must stop playing. Some athletes can participate safely with treatment or training changes.

If cleared, the doctor will complete the required eligibility form. Your child’s medical information remains confidential.

Tell the doctor about previous concussions and ongoing symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Trouble concentrating
• Changes in mood or behavior

Athletes recovering from a concussion should return to sports only with health care provider approval and a gradual return-to-play plan.

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.