Sports physicals

If your child plays sports, you’ve likely heard of the sports physical. This appointment is an important opportunity to check whether your child has any health risks or conditions that make it unsafe 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 have 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. During a physical exam, your child’s provider reviews their physical health in addition to their developmental, social and emotional health. During an annual 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 require for 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 injuries or illnesses

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.

Why are sports physicals important?

A sports physical can detect and treat any conditions 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 annual exams and sports physicals in one appointment. Contact your child’s primary care provider to find out if this is an option for you.

When to 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 to get a sports physical

Most primary care doctors 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 best.

Some schools offer sports physicals onsite. You may find out if your child’s school offers this option.