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SPORTS PHYSICALS
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical is also called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). Sports physicals are usually a part of registering youths for participation in a sport. The Minnesota State High School League, Most Colleges and some other organizations require an evaluation for children to participate. Regulations vary according to the rules of the respective school or sport’s governing body.
A PPE helps to assure that the athlete is healthy and physically ready for their chosen activity such as baseball, football, martial arts, soccer or track. Before registering, check with the organizers about their eligibility requirements. The purpose of the PPE is to help minimize the risk of injury while your child participates in a sport or activity..
Why do children need sports physicals?
Sports physicals help to ensure an athlete can safely play in their chosen sport/activity as required by the Minnesota State High School Leage, their respective college, or sports organization. Even when it’s not mandatory, sports physical exams help to screen children and athletes for health concerns and provide a chance to discuss any underlying health issues.What happens during a sports physical?
Specific requirements can vary but generally for the Minnesota state High School League your child’s sports physical examination may include:- Check of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate and rhythm
- Details regarding dietary supplements, medications or prescriptions for your child
- Evaluation of flexibility, joints, posture and strength
- General physical exam to check the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs and abdomen
- Height and weight measurement
- Review of the athlete and the family’s medical history
- Vision check
- Abdominal Exam
- Neurological exam to check for reflexes, strength, sensory deficits, and balance.
What are the benefits of sports physicals?
Having a PPE protects your child, teammates and staff from avoidable illness, injury and even possibly life-threatening situations. As well as meeting the eligibility requirements, there are added benefits to having a sports physical before participation:- Evaluating general health can proactively help address potential health concerns: Reviewing a child’s medical history and performing a routine physical exam can help avoid issues that may block participation.
- Get useful training tips: If a child has a propensity to certain injuries such as ankle sprains then training tips and special exercises can be discussed.
- The medical history review covers any medical conditions that run in the family, such as diabetes and prior illnesses such as asthma: We can screen for signs of these illnesses and make suggestions for follow up care. For example, though a child may not have had symptoms for an extended period, a history of asthma may interfere with eligibility. A solution may be for them to carry an inhaler. It helps team staff to be aware in case the player experiences a sudden episode and needs to use it.
- Pre-existing and current conditions such as allergies and injuries must be evaluated: Injuries in youth sports can range from minor ankle sprains and repetitive motion strains to more severe conditions like concussion and heat stroke. This screening will identify those potential health issues, so they’re not exacerbated and cause undue pain, injury or re-injury.
What should I bring for a sports physical?
Parents/Guardians are reminded to fill out the parents’ sections of all the necessary forms before the visit and be present at the appointment to fill out a consent to treat/examine form. This expedites the sports physical exam process. Please collect the following medical information to bring to the examination:- For participants with a history of a heart ailment or cardiac event: The primary care provider or treating physician must provide a statement that they have evaluated the condition and that it does not prevent the athlete’s participation.
- Primary care provider’s info: Bring their name and contact information.
- Relevant health and medical history: This includes any allergies, current medications and existing medical conditions.