As families prepare for the new school year, it’s also time to get ready for fall sports. Whether your child is lacing up their cleats for soccer, heading to football practice, or joining the cross-country team, a sports physical is an important step before the season begins.
At Snoqualmie Valley Health, Dr. Jordan Wallace, pediatrician, says a sports physical is much more than a required form.
“A sports physical gives us the opportunity to identify potential health concerns before an athlete starts competing,” says Dr. Jordan Wallace. “It’s about making sure kids can participate safely while also giving families a chance to ask questions about their child’s overall health.”
What Is a Sports Physical?
Also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), a sports physical helps determine whether a child or teen is physically and mentally ready to participate in organized athletics. Most schools require student-athletes to complete one before they can join a sports team.
During a sports physical, your provider will review your child’s medical history and perform a focused physical examination, paying close attention to:
- Heart health, including listening for murmurs, checking blood pressure, and reviewing family history of cardiac conditions
- Musculoskeletal health, including previous injuries, joint stability, and any current pain or limitations
- Neurologic health, including any history of concussions or head injuries
- General wellness, including vision, breathing, and overall fitness for physical activity
Why Sports Physicals Are So Important
While sports physicals help meet school requirements, they also play an important role in keeping young athletes healthy throughout the season.
Identifying Hidden Health Risks
Some conditions, including heart abnormalities, undiagnosed asthma, or previous concussions, may not cause noticeable symptoms during everyday activities but can become serious during intense exercise. A sports physical helps identify warning signs that may require additional evaluation before participation.
“Most kids feel perfectly healthy when they come in,” says Dr. Wallace. “Our goal is to catch concerns that may not be obvious but could become significant once they’re participating in sports.”
Preventing Injuries
A sports physical also provides an opportunity to discuss previous injuries and evaluate muscles and joints. If needed, your provider can recommend strengthening exercises, bracing, rehabilitation, or activity modifications to help reduce the risk of future injuries.
Supporting Mental Health
Today’s sports physicals also recognize the importance of mental well-being. Current recommendations encourage providers to screen for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helping ensure student-athletes are healthy both physically and emotionally.
Building a Relationship with a Primary Care Provider
For many children and teens, a sports physical may be their only medical visit during the year.
“A sports physical is often a great opportunity to look beyond sports,” says Dr. Wallace. “We can update immunizations, talk about nutrition, discuss healthy habits, and answer questions families may have as their child grows.”
When Should You Schedule a Sports Physical?
Snoqualmie Valley Health recommends scheduling your child’s sports physical at least six weeks before practices begin. This allows enough time for any follow-up testing or specialist referrals if additional evaluation is needed.
Whenever possible, sports physicals should be completed by your child’s primary care provider, who knows their medical history and can provide personalized recommendations.
Although comprehensive sports physicals are generally recommended every two to three years, many schools and athletic programs require annual clearance. Be sure to check your school’s specific requirements before the season begins.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help make your visit as efficient as possible, bring:
- Any required school or athletic participation forms
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Information about previous injuries, surgeries, or hospitalizations
- Family history of heart conditions, including any sudden or unexplained deaths before age 50
- Any questions or concerns about your child’s health or sports participation
Schedule Your Sports Physical at Snoqualmie Valley Health
Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your child’s sports physical. Completing this important evaluation early helps ensure your athlete is healthy, safe, and ready for a successful season.
To schedule a sports physical with Dr. Jordan Wallace or another Snoqualmie Valley Health primary care provider, contact Snoqualmie Valley Health today. You may call us at 425-831-2313, or schedule an appointment online. Our team is here to help your family stay healthy on and off the field.