Sports and School Physical Exams

If your child has decided to play a sport this season, don't forget to register them for a sports physical. These exams, also known as pre-participation physical exams (PPEs), are required by many schools and states.

Even if your child is not playing a sport, many schools require your child to undergo a physical before returning to school.

Both sports and school physicals cover the basics of your child’s health. However, a PPE includes the goal of assessing your child's ability to safely play a sport.

What to expect

To begin your child's physical, your healthcare provider may ask questions about family history, previous surgeries, allergies, past injuries, complications during exercise and any medications your child takes.

Then, your healthcare provider will perform the physical, examining your child's:

• Abdomen, heart, lungs, ears, nose and throat
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Height and weight
• Hearing and vision
• Strength, flexibility, coordination, reflexes and posture

If your child is a girl, they may be asked about their menstrual cycle.

Your healthcare provider may order some diagnostic tests, prescribe medicine or request another exam.

If needed, your healthcare provider can also give immunizations and discuss any health-related concerns you or your child may have. Topics of discussion may include:

• Exercise
• Growth
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Social behavior

If your child needs the physical to be approved to play a sport, and they pass their physical exam, your physician will sign a sports physical form. Don't forget to leave the appointment with this signed document. It informs the school that your child has had a PPE and immunizations are up-to-date.

Do I need an appointment for a physical exam or sports physical?

Because we accept walk-ins for physicals, you do not need an appointment. However, for your child's sports physical exams, we recommend planning on getting it at least six to eight weeks before the season starts. The physical is usually good for one year. If your child has a medical condition or injury that interferes with their ability to play sports, you may need to schedule more frequent check-ups.

We recommend thinking of questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider. Sometimes it's difficult to remember these things during the visit, so writing them down beforehand is helpful.

Annual exams

A yearly physical exam can give you an important health assessment and prevent any medical problems before they become life-threatening. It’s also a good opportunity to get up-to-date on required vaccinations.

What to expect

Your healthcare provider will start with questions about your medical and surgical history, including family history of illness, allergies and current medications.

During the exam, your healthcare provider will check the following:

• Coordination, posture and reflexes
• Hearing and vision
• Height and weight
• Vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature and pulse

Your healthcare provider might also take a blood sample to test your cholesterol levels. If you are older than 45 or at risk for diabetes, a diabetes screening is recommended.

After age 50, your physical may include a rectal exam. Your provider also may want to analyze a stool sample to check for colon and rectal cancer. In men, a rectal exam also checks for an enlarged prostate. Women will undergo a breast exam to check for breast cancer. Your provider may also perform a full-body skin exam, looking for early signs of skin cancer.

Preparing for your physical

During your annual checkup, if you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, your healthcare provider might ask about your diet, lifestyle habits and your level of regular physical activity.

Before your exam, we recommend spending some time thinking of questions to ask your healthcare provider. It can be difficult to remember your concerns during the checkup, so writing them down beforehand can help.

An annual physical is a smart preventive practice, no matter your age or gender.