Is your child getting ready to join a school sports team? Or are you looking forward to going to another sports training camp? If so, it's very important to get a 'Sports Physical' , a sports-specific medical exam, before starting those activities. This will ensure that your child is prepared for the sport without any health risks. It's about making sure you can play safely . Let's talk about this in detail today, okay?
What exactly is a sports physical?
Simply put, this is a special medical examination that is done before a child participates in a sport or physical activity. Sometimes doctors also call this a 'Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation' (PPE). This involves a thorough examination of your child by a doctor. The doctor or nurse will then ask you about your child's health and any medical conditions in your family.
The main purpose of this test is to identify in advance whether the child is at increased risk of accidents, illnesses, or other health problems while playing sports.
The purpose of these 'Sports Physical' tests is to help your child play as safely as possible. This gives parents, doctors, and coaches all very important information about the health of a young athlete. With that information, you can all work together to take the necessary steps to prevent injuries. Remember, these tests are designed to encourage participation in sports, not to simply exclude talented athletes from sports.
How common are these 'Sports Physical' tests?
These so-called sports medical tests are actually very common these days, especially among school-age children and young adults. Did you know that even in a country like America, more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 17 are on a sports team or are undergoing sports training? So, many schools, sports camps, and sports organizations require a certificate from a sports medical test like this. In some places, you have to have this test done and present the certificate before your child is allowed to play sports or engage in certain physical activities.
What exactly happens in this test? Let's see?
Okay, now let's take a look at what exactly happens during a 'sports physical'. The first thing your doctor will do is take a complete medical history of your child. Then they will do a physical exam.
First things to ask: Your child's and family's medical history
The doctor will ask you and your child (if your child is old enough to understand) about any special medical conditions or hereditary health conditions that anyone in your family has. They may also ask you about your child's health, such as:
- Is there any use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs? (This can sometimes be asked even from young children, but don't mistake it as part of the doctor's job.)
- Allergies, asthma, or other breathing difficulties: Do you currently have these conditions, have you had them in the past, and are you receiving treatment for them?
- The child's current fitness level: How active is the child, daily? Things like whether you exercise or how long you play.
- Have you ever had dizziness, heat illness, or passed out while exercising or playing?
- Eating habits, diet, and nutrition, as well as any recent sudden weight loss or gain.
- History of immunizations : You should be specific about the date of your last immunization, especially the tetanus shot and the COVID-19 shot.
- Is the child currently taking any medications? (This includes medications prescribed by a doctor, vitamins you buy from the pharmacy, and even painkillers.)
- If it is a girl, the monthly menstrual cycle (is it regular , is there excessive pain, etc.) and whether there have been any problems with the genitals or urinary system.
- Mental health or mood disorders : For example, you may also hear about conditions like depression.
- Be sure to mention any past surgeries or injuries: especially fractures and concussions.
Next, the physical examination: What will the doctor look for?
After discussing the medical history, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the child. At this time, they will do things like:
- A neurological exam will be performed to check the child's reflexes (such as tapping the knee with a small hammer).
- Eyesight and hearing are tested.
- The muscles and bones are examined thoroughly. This includes checking the range of motion of the joints, balance, and alignment of the bones. The spine is also examined for signs of a condition called scoliosis (a curvature of the spine that can occur when playing sports).
- The baby's abdomen is palpated and examined to see if there are any abnormalities inside.
- Looks inside the nose and throat.
- A stethoscope is used to listen to the sound of the heart beating and the sound of breathing coming from the lungs.
- The child's height and weight are measured accurately.
- Vital signs are checked, which means measuring things like blood pressure and heart rate.
What happens after the test? Can the child play?
After the test is complete, the doctor will tell you whether it is safe for your child to play sports. If it is, they will give your child a 'clearance'. This means that there are no medical restrictions for your child to participate in sports.
Sometimes, the doctor may make a condition or recommendation . For example, if your child wears glasses, they may say that they should wear prescription safety glasses that fit properly when playing sports. Or, if your child has asthma, they may say that they should keep their inhaler with them at all times when playing sports.
At the end of your appointment, the doctor will complete, sign, and give you a Sports Physical Form. This form clearly states your child's current health, medical history, and any conditions that may increase the risk of injury while playing sports. In some cases, this may also include your child's vaccination record.
If the doctor gives the child permission to play, he or she will sign the form. He or she will also note any special needs or concerns. You should then give this form to the school, coach, or athletic trainer. They will keep this form safe because this information will be very important if something happens to your child during play.
Where can I take this 'Sports Physical' test?
There are several places where you can get this 'Sports Physical' done. You can choose a location that is convenient for you:
- Your child's pediatrician. This is usually done by the doctor who sees the child.
- From your family doctor (General Practitioner - GP).
- From urgent care clinics.
- Some large pharmacies also provide this service these days.
- Sometimes, schools organize special clinics on the school grounds. Then a doctor comes to the school and performs these tests. You can also ask the school about that, to see if there is such a thing.
When is the best time to do this 'Sports Physical'?
This is also a very important point. Doctors usually recommend that you have this test done at least 6 to 8 weeks before the start of the sports season or the relevant activity in which your child will participate . Do you know why? That way, you can have your child examined and, if the test finds any minor problems, you will have plenty of time to treat it or see another specialist. That's better than rushing to the last minute, right?
Most likely, your child will need to have a sports physical every year , especially if they continue to play sports. If your child is recovering from a sports injury, they may need to have more than one physical exam a year before they can return to playing that sport.
What is the difference between a 'Sports Physical' and a regular annual medical checkup?
This is a question that many parents ask. In a 'sports physical,' your doctor will assess your child's health with a specific sport or physical activity in mind. This means that they will primarily look at your child's ability to safely engage in that specific activity and whether there are any specific health conditions that may affect it.
However, a general annual medical check-up (Annual well-check or annual physical examination) looks at the overall health of the child. It focuses on a wide range of things, such as the child's general growth, development, and vaccinations. Sometimes, as part of the annual check-up, certain things necessary for sports may be covered, but a 'Sports Physical' is a more in-depth examination that is specific to sports.
What are the possible results of the 'Sports Physical' test?
After the test, the doctor may give you one of these results:
- Cleared to play all sports without restriction: This means that the child has no medical impediment to playing all sports without any restrictions.
- Cleared for certain activities or sports only: Sometimes, due to a child's condition, other sports may be recommended instead of more strenuous sports.
- Cleared to play with certain restrictions or requirements: As mentioned earlier, permission may be granted with conditions such as wearing goggles, carrying an inhaler, or wearing certain protective gear.
- Allowed to participate after another evaluation or treatment: For example, if you have muscle weakness due to an accident, you may be allowed to play sports after you have attended a few sessions of physical therapy.
- Not eligible to take part in activities: This is very rare. However, a doctor may make this decision if the child has a health condition that would put their life at risk, or if the risk of illness/accident is very high.
What do you do if a problem is found during the test?
Imagine that the doctor finds something dangerous or a symptom that indicates a problem during a sports physical. If that happens, don't panic. The doctor will explain it to you and may recommend further evaluation or a referral to a specialist. Children with these conditions will definitely need to go back to the doctor for a follow-up appointment and receive the necessary treatment:
- Bleeding disorders, for example, hemophilia.
- Cardiovascular disease, that is, diseases of the heart or blood vessels.
- Genetic disorders, for example, conditions like Marfan syndrome.
- If you have had a history of severe head injuries (history of concussions).
- Injuries or long-term problems with the musculoskeletal system.
- Uncontrolled lung diseases like asthma.
- Neurological disorders, for example, Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Epilepsy.
The most important message to take home
So, I hope you now have a good understanding of what a 'Sports Physical' is. Ultimately, this test is a very valuable tool that provides your doctor with very important information about your child's health and also ensures their safety. This information helps doctors assess your child's risk of injury and make recommendations for safe participation in sports.
Always remember, to help your child play safely and without injury, it is very important to share complete and accurate information about your family health history with your child's doctor without hiding anything.
Also, set aside a day to get this 'Sports Physical' well before the start of the sports season or activity. That way, even if there is a small problem, you have plenty of time to take the necessary steps, seek further testing, or seek treatment. We all want to see your child playing happily, healthy, and safely, right?
` Sports medical examination, sports physical, children's health, sports accidents, school sports, PPE, medical certificate
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