Everything You Need to Know about Sports Physicals

At Carrboro Family Medicine, we understand the importance of maintaining good health for athletic performance. We offer sports physicals, or Pre-participation Physical Examinations (PPE), to assess your health and fitness level regarding your sports participation. These comprehensive check-ups are essential for athletes of all ages and skill levels, ensuring their physical readiness for athletic participation and identifying any potential health concerns.

In line with the requirements of most organized sports, we offer these examinations to youth, high school, and collegiate athletes. These physicals assess overall health, screen for musculoskeletal injuries, and evaluate cardiovascular fitness. 

Our sports physicals play a crucial role in assessing recovery progress for individuals returning to sports after an injury. We identify any limitations and provide guidance on a safe return to play. At Carrboro Family Medicine, we believe that even casual sportspersons or those enjoying occasional physical activities should undergo a sports physical. This helps identify potential health risks, and we can guide how to keep your body safe and healthy while active.

We’re here to help you optimize your performance, reduce the risk of injuries, meet participation requirements for organized sports, identify and address any underlying medical conditions, and enhance your overall well-being while enjoying your chosen sport. 

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is crucial to ensure an athlete’s overall health and fitness. A typical sports physical at our practice involves:

• Review of your medical history
• Comprehensive physical examination
• Orthopedic assessment
• Vision and hearing tests
• Customized recommendations for nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention

Frequency of Sports Physicals 

The frequency of sports physicals can depend on:

1. Age and Developmental Stage:

• Children under 12 years old: Our pediatric care team generally recommends a sports physical before your child starts a new sport or joins a team.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Annual sports physicals are usually recommended to monitor your teen’s growth, development, and any changes in health status.
• Athletes over 18 years old: The frequency can vary based on injury history, health conditions, or changes in fitness level.

2. Health History:

If you have a history of injuries, chronic conditions, or other health concerns, our medical team may suggest more frequent sports physicals to ensure your safety and monitor your health status.

3. Sport Type:

Sports that involve high contact or impact, such as football, soccer, running, or jumping, may require more frequent physicals than non-contact sports.

4. Team or League Requirements:

The frequency of sports physicals may be governed by special rules set by certain schools, teams, or sports organizations. It’s always a good idea to verify with your school or sports organization.

Recommendations:

If you are participating in multiple sports, consider getting a sports physical before each season, especially if there is a significant difference in intensity or impact levels between the sports. Remember, the primary goal of a sports physical is to ensure your well-being and prevent injuries. Regular sports physicals not only fulfill school or organizational requirements but also contribute to your overall health and safety in sports participation.

A sports physical is a necessary step for children planning to participate in sports activities, serving to determine if they are physically fit and safe to engage in their chosen sport. The following are detailed instructions for getting your child ready for a sports physical:

Understanding the Importance:

Before the appointment, it is essential to make sure your child understands why they are going for the physical and what it entails. This understanding will help them feel more comfortable and less anxious during the examination.

Scheduling the Physical:

Book the appointment at the start of the sports season, ensuring your child is well-rested, hydrated, and has eaten before the physical examination. A tired, hungry, or dehydrated child may not perform as well in the physical fitness part of the exam.

Preparing the Medical History:

Gathering your child’s medical history is a crucial step in the preparation. Make sure you have a comprehensive record, including any past surgeries, hospitalizations, or serious illnesses. Don’t forget to list all medications your child is taking, including over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, and any dietary supplements.

Day of the Appointment:

Your child should dress in loose-fitting, comfy clothes that don’t restrict their movement. Have your child’s medical history form, insurance card, and any other relevant documents ready. Arrive on time to allow plenty of time for check-in and for the doctor to conduct a thorough exam.

During the Examination:

Encourage your child to be honest during the examination. They should tell the doctor if they feel any pain, or discomfort, or have concerns about their health. Observe the exam and ask questions if you have any concerns. The doctor will provide you with a report of the exam findings and make recommendations regarding your child’s participation in sports.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your child is well-prepared for a sports physical ensuring a smooth process, accurate results, and readiness for a safe and active sports season.

Ensuring your child’s health and well-being is paramount, especially when participating in sports. A comprehensive sports physical is essential for assessing their readiness and preventing potential injuries. 

Primary Care Provider 

Your child’s health is our top priority. Our experienced team is well-versed in conducting sports physicals and assessing the health needs of children and adolescents. We have comprehensive records of your child’s health history, which can be instrumental in determining their readiness to participate in sports activities. Our family medicine clinic is convenient for scheduling appointments for all family members.

Sports Medicine 

We have experienced physicians and athletic trainers who can provide tailored recommendations based on your child’s specific sport and physical condition. We aim to prevent potential injuries and ensure your child is physically ready to participate in their chosen sport.

Urgent Care 

These services are equipped to offer sports physicals and may have more flexible hours than a regular doctor’s office, allowing for evening or weekend appointments.

Choosing the Right Provider 

Regardless of where you choose to have your child’s sports physical done, ensure that the healthcare provider is qualified and knowledgeable, and can provide a comprehensive examination and advice. At Carrboro Family Medicine, we pride ourselves on our professional and thorough approach to sports physicals. We also ensure proper documentation of the physical is provided to your child’s school or sports organization. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510.