School Sports Physicals – What to Know
Participation in school sports is an excellent way for students to stay physically active, improve their fitness, experience teamwork, and develop leadership skills. However, before students can hit the field or court, most schools require them to undergo a sports physical.
Sports Physical vs. a Regular Physical
Youth sports pre-seasons are either right around the corner or have already begun. It is the perfect time to schedule sports physicals, also known as Preparticipation Physical Evaluations (PPE) for children and teens in school sports. When looking for sports physicals near me, it is imperative to understand the difference between sports and regular physicals. A sports physical determines sport-specific activities’ fitness level, flexibility, and strength. It focuses on injury prevention and risk identification of preexisting conditions. It results in a medical clearance if the athlete is deemed safe to participate. A regular physical, in contrast, is a comprehensive health assessment to screen for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and others. It is not specific to musculoskeletal fitness and is conducted annually on every person.
Why Sports Physicals are Often Mandated
Playing sports is an excellent way to stay healthy and active but can reveal underlying health conditions and predispose participants to injury. Sports physicals are mandated to protect the health and well-being of athletes in specific sports. Required sports physicals vary at the state and local levels and by the specific sport. Most commonly, the groups with mandated sports physicals include the following: high school sports, college sports, youth sports, competitive club sports, and contact sports.
What is a Sports Physical?
Sports physicals should be comprehensive and include the following parts: medical history, physical examination, vaccination review, cardiovascular evaluation, a discussion on past and current injuries, a nutrition assessment, sports-specific task evaluation, and a decision on clearance for participation in the sport. Even with young athletes, medical and family history are necessary to review to determine one’s safety with the demands of sports. After the sports evaluation screening, the examiner will address any concerns immediately or refer the athlete to a provider specializing in the problem area. For example, the examiner may refer an athlete with multiple prior knee injuries to a physical therapist for rehabilitation or an orthopedist.
About the Physical Examination
The physical examination in a sports physical will reveal evidence of whether the athlete is ready to participate in their sport or not. The assessment of current health will be based on the sport and specific athlete. It will include taking vital signs, testing vision and hearing, and examining muscle, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. If the athlete has a preexisting condition, like diabetes or a muscular condition, the examiner will do specific testing to ensure safety in all situations of the sport. Based on the results, the examiner will screen for past and current injuries and recommend rehabilitation or a training schedule. The examiner will also educate athletes and families on preventing injury and managing health problems during and after sports participation. Annual sports physicals prevent injury, manage health, and consistently track health progression over time.
Conclusion
School sports physicals serve a crucial role in protecting the health and well-being of student-athletes. By identifying potential health issues, preventing injuries, and promoting a culture of health and wellness, these examinations ensure that young athletes can enjoy the many benefits of participating in school sports safely. Schedule a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation today to protect your or your loved one’s health in preparing for a sport.
