Is Your Child Playing School Sports this Fall? Time for a Sports Physical!

If your child is planning to play on a sports team this coming fall, the school may require that they get a sports physical before accepting them onto the team. The physical ensures that they’re healthy enough to play the sport and do so safely, and that they don’t have any condition that would make it dangerous for them to participate.

At Primecare Family Practice, board-certified family practitioners Maryline Ongangi, APRN, FNP-C, and Lewis Nyantika, APRN, FNP-C, and our staff offer sports physicals at our Arlington, Texas, office. If your child is interested in participating on a sports team, a physical may be a mandatory requirement before they’re allowed to play.

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical allows your doctor to determine if you have any health problems that might put you at risk while playing sports or increase the chance you might get hurt. For example, if you’re prone to asthma attacks, you may need an inhaler. But the doctor can adjust your medication to allow you to breathe more easily when you run.

The doctor can also suggest how to train safely or recommend specific exercises that will prevent you from injuring yourself.

The sports physical consists of two parts: a health history and a physical exam.

Health history

The health history questions are usually on a form, so you can show it to your parents and ask them to fill you in on any aspects of your family medical history that you need to know.

The form includes questions about:

• Medical problems that run in the family
• Medical problems you have, such as asthma, diabetes, COVID-19, or sickle cell trait
• Any previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies (e.g., insect bites)
• Any past injuries (e.g., concussions, sprains, broken bones)
• If you’ve ever felt dizzy, passed out, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Any medications you’re taking (including over-the-counter and dietary supplements)

Boys will be asked about testicle pain, and girls will be asked about their periods. The doctor will also discuss issues like smoking and vaping, alcohol, drugs, diet pills, or performance-enhancing supplements, including steroids.  

Always answer the questions honestly. Don’t try to anticipate what your doctor “wants.”

Physical exam

During the physical exam, the doctor will usually:

• Measure your height and weight
• Check your blood pressure and pulse
• Test your vision
• Check your heart and lungs
• Examine your muscles, bones, and joints

This is also an opportunity for you to ask the doctor questions about your health, diet, and playing sports.

The purpose of the physical is to make sure you’re in good enough health to participate in the sport of your choice, but it’s also an opportunity for the doctor to assess your overall health and detect any underlying condition that would interfere with your ability to play.

If your child is looking to play school sports this fall, come into Primecare Family Practice to get your sports physical out of the way. Call our office at 817-873-3710, or book online with us today.