WHAT IS A SPORTS PHYSICAL:
A sports physical is an exam done by way of a medical professional that helps determine be it safe for a child to participate in a particular sport. Most schools require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can take up a new sport or commence a new competitive season. In medical terms, the sports physical exam is known as a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE). This information is used by coaches and team physicians to understand any issues your son or daughter could have, and base their decisions in regard to that information. A sports physical can help identify and cope with health problems that might put your child at an increased risk while taking part in their sport.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The actual forms will be supplied by your school. They have a portion for you to complete, called the health background, and some for the doctor to fill out, called the physical exam. The physical exam usually takes 10 - a quarter-hour, and is performed challenging child's clothes on.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF A SPORTS PHYSICAL:
*Screen for potentially life-threatening or disabling conditions.
*Screen for conditions that may predispose and athlete to injury or illness while training or competing.
*Address administrative requirements.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES OF A SPORTS PHYSICAL:
*Determining general health.
*Serve as an entry point in to the healthcare system for adolescents.
*Provide chance for discussion on health insurance and lifestyle issues.
MEDICAL HISTORY:
Usually the first half of the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) form is really a set of questions called the health background. This is arguably the most important element of the PPE. A whole history will identify approximately 75% of problems affecting athletes. The questions have already been developed to screen for conditions that would place the athlete at unacceptable medical risk. The most accurate information is obtained once the athletes and parents complete the history form together prior to the evaluation. In one study, only 39% of what the children put down agreed with information distributed by the parents completing the same form. Take time to answer the questions carefully.
EXAM:

The physical examination portion of the PPE is the actual exam preformed by your physician. It is centered on the regions of greatest concern in sports participation, and is a chance to screen the areas defined as problems in the annals. During the exam, the physician will usually check your son or daughter's height, weight, vision, lungs, heart, skin, and the musculoskeletal system. They'll also evaluate posture, joints, flexibility, and flexibility.
DETERMINING CLEARANCE:
The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation is not designed to discourage or prevent participation in competitive sports.
Learn more that any health conditions your child has will prevent them from playing sports completely.
By the end of an athlete's exam, the physician will sign a form allowing your son or daughter to take part in their sport. Sometimes a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems may be required.
TIMING:
To allow time to treat or rehabilitate any problems, the PPE should be performed at the very least 6 weeks before preseason practice. This enables the student athlete to cope with issues before practice starts, rather than take any time away from their sports participation.
THE FINAL WORD:
Remember, the sports physical is not intended to disqualify your son or daughter from any sport. Significantly less than 1% of the physicals done nationwide bring about the athlete not being cleared, so relax! It is more of a screening process to make certain they are healthy enough to compete. Though it may seem just like a chore, sports physicals are an important component to your child's health.