Sports Physicals
What's the difference between a 'Sports Physical' and a Well Visit?
Sports physicals are different from the typical well-child checkup because their goal is to be sure your child can safely enjoy sports without risking harm to their body. Additional health concerns or anticipatory guidance is not routinely discussed at a Sports Physical. What we do is:
- Ensure your child is prepared for vigorous physical activity
- Gather information on your child’s health and development
- Watch for potential warning signs of serious illness
- Meet the requirements of your child’s school, camp, or sports team
- Identify possible risk factors with a certain sport
- Receive advice on avoiding injuries
Regular physicals are an important part of preventative pediatric care. Getting your child a sports physical gives the doctor the opportunity to examine your child, evaluate their health and fitness, and determine whether or not they are prepared for sports or school activities.
Annual physicals however, even when not required by a certain organization, should be a part of your child’s ongoing healthcare because they also provide an important opportunity to discuss your child’s development and any concerns you may have.
Sports Physical FAQs
Who needs a sports physical?
Every high schooler, and even some middle schoolers, in Michigan who want to play in a sport or engage in other school activities like cheerleading must have a sports physical or a preparticipation physical examination. They also need a sports physical to clear them to return to their activities if they suffer an injury or become ill during the season.
The purpose of a sports physical is to be sure your child can safely participate in sports. Suddenly starting high-intensity workouts and engaging in competitive sports can quickly aggravate a pre-existing problem or lead to a preventable injury when an exam discovers potential problems.
Although a sports physical may find a problem that prevents your child from participating, in most cases, the examination results guide decisions.
Why is a child’s medical history important?
Children and parents use a medical history form to provide information about:
- Chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
- Hospitalizations or surgeries
- Past injuries such as concussions, sprains, or fractures
- Problems with dizziness, chest pain, or breathing during exercise
- Medications and supplements
- Allergies
- Family history of serious illnesses
A complete medical history helps your doctor determine if your child has a condition that sports activities might aggravate.
Can't you do a Sports Physical at my Annual Well Visit?
With advance notice we CAN include a Sports Physical at your child's Well Visit. This is done by having you or your child also fill out a Sports Survey prior to their Well Visit. We do routinely include a Sports Survey as part of the Well Visit for all patients 11 and older. If your child is younger than 11 and your child's school/sports team is going to require a Sports Form, then please mention this at your Well Visit so we can have you fill out the Sports Survey and include the Sports Form as part of your child's Well Visit. However, please note that this must occur after April 15 of the preceding academic year. If your child has already had their Well Visit within the past 365 days but it did not include the Sports Physical component, your child will need a 'Sports Update'. We charge $50 out-of-pocket and do not bill insurance for these visits. We know that you can seek similar services for a fee at Urgent Cares or a dedicated day at your child's high school but feel we can provide better care from your Medical Home for the care you need.
If your child needs any type of physical, call our office and we will get them appropriately scheduled.
