Your child is ready to be an athlete. S/he knows the sport they love. Now you need a sports physical. Everyone goes for that soon their child wants to become a sportsperson. But what exactly is a sports physical?
What is a sports physical?
Sports physical or preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) is examining whether you or your child is ready for the sports or not. It checks the child’s sports history. It is usually a requirement for a student to join your school’s sports team.
If it is not mandatory to go for a sports physical, doctors still suggest it to test how active you are and how well you can play the game.
How do doctors examine if you are ready for sports or not?
There are two steps in how doctors generate your medical reports to qualify or disqualify the child for the sports:
Medical history
The doctors will ask several questions to testify your medical history. Your doctor may give you a questionnaire that you may bring home and answer, sitting beside your parents.
The most common questions found in a medical history questionnaire include:
- Are there any medical problems that run in the family?
- Do you have any medical issues or illnesses – asthma, diabetes, or COVID-19?
- Have you ever been hospitalized for some serious medical condition?
- Do you have any surgeries in the past?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Have you had any past severe injuries, such as concussions, sprains, or broken bones?
- Have you ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise?
- Are you on any medication, including dietary and prescription drugs?
In addition to the questions above, the doctor will also ask several gender-based medical questions, such as:
- For boys – about testicle pain, if they have.
- For girls – about your periods.
The doctor may also ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, take diet pills, or performance-enhancing supplements, including steroids.
Answer every question clearly and honestly. Do not hide anything from the doctor. Any lie you tell may reflect poorly on your future sports activities.
Physical examination
The doctor will also examine your physical health. This test may include:
- Record your height and weight
- Check your blood pressure and pulse
- Eyesight test
- Check your heart and lungs
- Examine your muscles, bones, and joints
The doctor is not the only one who can ask questions. You may also ask questions about your health, diet, and playing sports.
Why do you need a sports physical?
Like any other doctor, sports physical will help you be the champion and stay healthy all the time. They will help overcome the identified problems by treating you or prescribing appropriate medications. They will also suggest which sports are good for you based on your health conditions.
These specialized doctors may also help in advising relevant training or exercises to stay healthy and fit for the game. These training and guides will also prevent injuries or recover them if you have any.
When & where should I go for a sports physical?
Some students may go to their family doctor for sports physicals. They know their patients well and give the best opinion. Others visit the doctor at school. They might not know your medical history like your family doctor, but they are usually well equipped to treat sports-related issues.
Whether you choose your family doctor or the one at the school, you will be tested in detail.
Usually, you need at least six weeks before visiting the sports physical. This time will help you recover from any injury or illness before going for the big day. Going to the doctor when the sports day is just around the weekend is never suggested. That would not give you enough time to recover, and you may fail to become part of the team.
Your sports physical is usually valid for a year. However, you may have to fill out the sports form every season. If you had an injury or medical condition after your sports physical, it is better to visit the doctor and get the proper treatment. Inform your gym instructor as well about the recent injury or medical condition.
What to do if there’s a problem?
It is pretty amazing if no problem is found after the sports physical. But what will you do if the doctor did find any deviation from the records?
Accidents tend to happen, or (god forbid) you may get a medical condition. The sports physical are not only there to diagnose the issue. They will also help in recovering any injuries or overcoming medical conditions.
If something serious is happening with your health, go for further tests the doctor may suggest. The doctors will try their best to help you recover from the newly developed health problem and push you back to where you were as a sportsperson.
But if the issue is significant and stopping you from playing your first loved game, you may always look for another.
Can you make regular visits to your sports physical?
Although a sports physical is well enough for a year, if you want to make regular visits, you may ask the doctor and set a calendar, so the doctor is ready when the correct date comes.
If you or your child is looking for sports physicals, you may reach us at cheema@cheemamd.com or call us on 164-1674-9194. We are always happy to assist our young visitors and help them become good sportspersons.
