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Sports Physicals: Who, What, Where, and Why?
Schedule a sports physical with a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
Before participating in sports, most young athletes are required to have a physical exam, sometimes called a pre-participation exam. Parents often wonder: Where can my child get one? What takes place? How is it different than a wellness exam? Pediatricians Joel Wehrmeyer, MD, and Paul Weber, MD provide answers.
Who Needs One?
Most children and teens must pass a physical before they are able to begin practicing for a sport. The physical, a requirement in most states, ensures that your child doesn’t have any abnormalities that could put them in danger as they play.
"For Ohio athletes, it’s essential to use the most current version of the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) sports physical form, as it is updated annually and required information can change," says Dr. Weber. For example, it now includes questions related to mental health and body image, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to athlete well-being.
Parents are a part of the process, explains Dr. Wehrmeyer. “The necessary forms usually include questions regarding the child’s health history and the family’s health history. A parent’s answers provide us with a lot of important information,” he says. “If there’s a family history of stroke, fainting while exercising, or sudden death, for example, we’ll want to look deeper to ensure the sport won’t trigger a health issue.”
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
A sports physical typically begins with a thorough review of your athlete's medical and family history. Dr. Weber explains that the provider will carefully evaluate any "yes" answers from the form to identify conditions that may need additional attention or follow-up. Any preexisting injuries or health issues will be reviewed to determine if those issues could get worse while playing the sport. A discussion about preventing injury might also be included.
The exam includes checking your athlete’s:
- Weight and height
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision
- Heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
- Musculoskeletal system, to assess strength, flexibility, and joint stability
In some cases, the exam may also include screening tests to assess the risk for specific injuries, such as ACL tears, helping to identify issues that could predispose an athlete to injury.
Is the Annual Wellness Exam Still Necessary?
“Absolutely yes,” says Dr. Wehrmeyer. In addition to a thorough physical exam, a wellness check-up includes necessary vaccinations and conversations about emotional and mental health. It includes a review of your child’s current conditions, but also a look into the future to determine how to keep such conditions from worsening, and how to prevent related issues from developing.
"A sports physical is not a replacement for a yearly wellness visit with a primary care provider," says Dr. Weber. While a sports physical includes many similar elements, the annual wellness exam goes further by providing:
- Screening for mental health conditions
- Evaluation for diabetes and lipid disorders
- Ongoing monitoring of growth, development, and overall wellness
“Parents can save themselves a trip by having both the wellness exam and the sports physical done at the same time,” Dr. Wehrmeyer suggests.
Where Should I Schedule a Sports Physical?
Ideally your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider should perform the sports physical. They know your child’s medical history and will already be aware of any family medical issues that may cause concern.
Or you can make an appointment at any of the convenient Premier Health Urgent Care locations, which provide sports physicals.
Schedule a sports physical with a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
Source: Joel Wehrmeyer, MD, Premier Health Pediatrics of Huber Heights; Paul Weber, MD, The Pediatric Group
