What to Expect at Your Child's School Sports Physical 

August, back-to-school, and the fall sports season will be here before we know it. Before your active child can participate in those sports, it’s wise to have your child get a sports physical. While it can feel overwhelming to add another thing to your school prep to-do list, a sports physical is a necessity.

At San Feliz Urgent Care in Glendale, California, our team offers sports physicals to ensure your child is in good health and prepared for a rigorous sports season. This sports physical can be a part of your child’s annual physical and include everything they need, such as vaccinations, before heading back to school, which can help shorten that long list of school prep items. 

In this month’s blog, we discuss why sports physicals are necessary and what you can expect when your child gets one. 

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), is a specialized exam that most schools and sports organizations require to ensure your child is physically fit and healthy enough to play their chosen sport. 

Even if your child doesn’t play an organized sport, most kids are active enough to get a lot of benefits from annual sports physicals, whether they love to dance, hike, jog, ride their bike, or perform in musical theater.

It’s also beneficial to add a sports physical to your child’s regular healthcare because this ensures that your child gets a physical activity-focused exam from someone who knows them personally and is well-acquainted with their health history. 

What does a sports physical include?

The vast majority of your child’s sports physical will be a comprehensive medical and physical exam. 

Our team starts by reviewing your child’s health history, which includes asking if they’ve ever dealt with or currently deal with issues such as:

• Asthma or breathing concerns
• Allergies
• Dizziness or heat illness
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Alcohol or drug use
• Mental health disorders
• Testicle pain for boys
• Menstrual cycles for girls

We also ask about any medications they’re currently taking, what their current fitness level is, and what their nutrition levels and eating habits are like. 

The next step is a physical exam where we can check your child’s:

• Vitals
• Heart and lungs
• Height and weight
• Eyesight and hearing
• Reflexes
• Flexibility 

We also provide your child with a good warm-up routine and stretching exercises to help them reduce the risk of injury. 

To schedule a sports physical (and wellness visit) before school gears up again, simply call our office or use our convenient online booking feature today.