How is a sports physical different from a regular physical?
If you have a child who wants to participate in a sport or camp, you might be asked to get them a sports physical. But what does that mean, and how is a sports physical different from a regular physical? Primary care sports medicine physician Jeffrey Wisinski, DO, explained what a sports physical includes and why it’s not the same as a well-child visit.
What is the purpose of a sports physical?
Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations, are medical exams for children and teens that specifically assess their overall health and fitness levels before participating in organized sports activities. These exams typically occur before the start of a sports season or new athletic activity and are required by most schools and sports organizations. Basically, sports physicals help determine if a child is medically cleared to safely participate in the sport or activity they are interested in.
“For young student athletes who participate in organized team activities, getting a pre-participation physical exam is a very healthy habit to have,” Dr. Wisinski said. “We want to make sure it’s safe for them to perform and be able to participate in organized team activity.”
Based on the results of the exam, the doctor or clinician may recommend modifications to training, conditioning or other aspects of sports participation to reduce the risk of injury or overexertion.
What does a sports physical include?
Dr. Wisinski said the most important component of a sports physical is the medical history.
“The number one thing we look at is cardiac history and whether or not student athletes have a history of cardiac symptoms. This could include chest discomfort, chest pressure, heart racing, difficulty with breathing with activity and any episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness or syncope during exercise. Furthermore, we also take into account family history of first-degree relatives to ensure there are no genetic factors that could prevent a student athlete from safe participation in sport.”
The medical history also addresses:
- Whether an athlete has had any symptoms of heat related illness or injury.
- Whether an athlete has ever had a concussion. If they’ve had a concussion, how recent, how many and how long did it take for them to recover?
- Whether they have a history of asthma, allergies, orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries, and surgeries.
- What medications, vitamins or supplements the student athlete is taking.
A typical sports physical also includes an anxiety and depression screening.
“It’s a very comprehensive exam,” Dr. Wisinski said. “We look at the entire young student athlete and want to make sure that they are safe to perform physical activity.”
A physical exam is conducted next, which involves the following:
- Listening to the heart and lungs.
- Listening to and pushing on the abdomen.
- Looking at the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
- A neurologic exam.
- A musculoskeletal exam, looking at the spine, neck, upper back, lower back, and lower and upper extremities, checking for strength function, overall flexibility and sensation.
“Anyone with red flag symptoms or concerning physical exam findings will be evaluated further,” Dr. Wisinski said.
How is a sports physical different from a regular physical?
A sports physical evaluates an individual’s fitness for sports participation by looking at factors like injury risk, performance and sport-specific considerations, while also addressing general health. A regular physical examination, whether it’s for an adult or child, is more comprehensive and focuses on overall health and well-being as well as disease prevention.
Why can’t a sports physical replace a well exam?
A sports physical cannot replace an annual physical because it does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of overall health.
Annual physicals offer a holistic assessment of an individual’s well-being, including a review of medical history, disease prevention and screenings for conditions unrelated to sports. They address patient-specific considerations, such as gender- and age-related screenings and examinations. Annual physicals also provide opportunities for health maintenance, counseling and discussions about lifestyle modifications.
While sports physicals are important for assessing readiness for sports participation, they should be seen as complementary to annual physicals rather than a substitute.
Where can you get a sports physical?
Primary care sports medicine specialists, primary care providers and urgent care clinics can provide sports physicals.
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