Sports Physicals

High school athletes are required by state law to have a physical examination before participating in sports. Most states also request a sports physical for middle school athletes. A sports physical is also called a preparticipation physical examination. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the preparticipation sports exam.

Years ago, sports physicals ensured growing children were safe to compete against one another. Today, we place more significance on the athlete's health history.

A sports physical is an examination that allows physicians to see a young athlete while they are healthy. This allows for important baseline measurements that can be used as a comparison if an athlete is injured or ill later. The sports physical is also an important opportunity to discuss topics like nutrition, social interactions, sex education and the hazards of drug and supplement use.

Sports physicals are often required for student athletes before they begin competing for a school team. Some summer camps or other organizations may also require them. In general, a sports physical is ideal to get annually for an active youth athlete. Sports physicals are an opportunity to ensure that athletes continue to compete at the top of their game.

First you will discuss your family medical history. This is essential. For example, if a family member died from heart disease before age 50, it heightens the athlete’s risk. Your physician may recommend a cardiac workup, including a chest X-ray, EKG and echocardiogram if you’re believed to be at risk.

During the physical, we focus on blood pressure, body mass index, visual acuity and obvious orthopedic issues. Blood pressure and visual acuity are tested to ensure an athlete can compete at the highest level. An orthopedic exam is performed to check for strength and flexibility imbalances that may predispose an athlete to injury. The athlete will also have a general physical exam, which includes checking the abdomen (liver and spleen), lungs (to check for wheezing that can indicate bronchospasm or asthma), genitalia (checking for hernias) and heart (listening for murmurs or irregular heart rhythms).

The sports physical does not include blood work, imaging or cardiac studies, unless there is a finding that needs further workup. If that is the case and something abnormal is found during the exam, our dedicated team will recommend further labs, testing, imaging or cardiac studies to ensure the athlete stays healthy and safe.

Remember that a sports physical is a screening, not a complete physical.  In the future, a sports physical exam would ideally include:

• Medical history
• Physical exam
• Cholesterol and vitamin D levels
• Cardiac screening (EKG and echocardiogram)
• Baseline cognitive function test (in the event of concussion)
• Vital signs
• Vision test
• Flexibility and balance

Our multidisciplinary team includes sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, certified strength and conditioning specialists, athletic trainers and fitness professionals. If an issue arises during the sports physical, or later in the athlete’s career, we have a team ready to help address it with a full range of care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow up. We also work closely with specialists throughout the health system, like cardiology, pulmonology, pediatrics and more. Get all your care in one place.