Sports physicals

If your child plays sports, they’ve likely needed to get a sports physical. Sports physicals are an important opportunity to check whether your child has any health risks or conditions that may make it unsafe for them to play sports.

Advocate Health Care offers sports physicals at multiple convenient locations throughout the Chicago metro area. We offer skilled, compassionate care to help your whole family stay in their best health.

What’s a sports physical?

A sports physical is a medical appointment where your child’s provider checks that it’s safe for them to participate in sports. Some people call it a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE). Most states, including Illinois, require that your child has a sports physical on file before they’re permitted to play school sports.

What’s the difference between a physical exam and a sports physical?

A sports physical focuses on reviewing your child’s physical health to ensure it’s safe for them to play sports whereas a physical exam is a comprehensive health check to determine your overall health. During a physical exam, your child’s provider reviews their physical health in addition to their developmental, social and emotional health. During a physical exam, your child’s provider may also review their:

• Behavior
• Bloodwork
• Developmental milestones
• Nutrition
• Sleep habits
• Vaccinations

What’s the difference between a school physical and a sports physical?

A school physical is an exam that your child’s school requires for enrollment. A sports physical is an exam that your child’s school and the state requires for school sports participation. Like an annual exam, a school physical also reviews your child’s recent vaccinations, developmental milestones, and social and emotional health.

What to expect during a sports physical

During a sports physical, your child’s provider determines whether your child has any health issues that would increase their risks for playing sports. There are usually two parts to a sports physical: a health history intake and a physical exam.

Health history

You will need to fill out a sports physical form or PPE form that details your child’s medical history. The form contains many questions that ask about your child’s:

• Chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
• Current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
• Family history of chronic diseases
• Past hospitalizations or surgeries, if relevant
• Previous illnesses or injuries such as concussions

Your child’s provider will also ask if they’ve ever experienced concerning symptoms while exercising, such as dizziness, chest pain or fainting. Providers ask females about their periods and males about any testicle pain.

Your child will also answer questions about substance use, including alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping, performance-enhancing supplements and diet pills. It’s important for your child to answer these questions honestly so the doctor can make appropriate recommendations.

Physical exam

After discussing your child’s health history, the provider will check your child’s:

• Blood pressure
• Height and weight
• Pulse
• Strength, flexibility and reflexes
• Vision

They will also listen to your child’s chest and lungs with a stethoscope to check for any signs of a heart or lung problem. And they’ll look inside your child’s ears, nose and throat.

What are the key planning tips for sports physicals?

To ensure you and your child have a smooth sports physical, plan to schedule the exam at least six weeks before the sports season starts. This allows time for any additional follow-up tests that might be needed.

It can also be helpful to have a written list of medications your child takes. Document any surgeries, chronic health conditions, past injuries (like concussions) or any changes to your family health history.

Make sure you also bring any gear your child might use while playing their sport to the sports physical, like braces or glasses. Your provider will check them to ensure the equipment is fitting properly and is safe to use.

Why are sports physicals important?

A sports physical can detect any conditions, like high blood pressure or asthma, or injuries that may make it unsafe for your child to play sports. Your child’s provider can also recommend adjustments that lower your child’s risk of getting hurt, such as changing the type or dose of asthma medication or recommending physical therapy.

Can my child complete an annual exam and a sports physical in one visit?

Yes, many providers offer physical exams and sports physicals in one appointment. A sports physical is not a substitute for an annual physical exam since a sports physical focuses on your immediate health for playing sports and a physical exam focuses on overall long-term health. Contact your child’s primary care provider to find out if conducting both exams in one visit is an option for your child.

When do you get a sports physical?

You should schedule a sports physical at least six weeks before an upcoming sports season. This allows plenty of time for your child to receive any necessary treatments before getting cleared to play.

Note that sports physicals can be kept on file for one year, although you may complete a new PPE form each season. Any time your child experiences health changes, you should take them to the doctor to make sure it’s still safe for them to play sports.

Where do you get a sports physical?

Most primary care providers and immediate care clinics offer sports physicals, but it’s helpful to have your child’s primary care provider perform the sports physical since they have a complete picture of your child’s health and know their health history the best.

You can also check with your child’s school as some provide sports physicals on-site.