What is a Sports Physical?
What is a Sports Physical?A sports physical is an examination performed by a primary care provider to ensure that a person can safely participate in athletic activities. It is also known as a "preparticipation physical evaluation" or PPE.
Sports physicals are most often conducted in school-age children and teens, but adults can get them, too. The healthcare provider takes a personal and family medical history and performs a physical examination. The results can clear an athlete for sports with or without certain restrictions.Bloodtest may sometimes be included in the examination.
What are the benefits of a sports physical?
The primary benefit of a sports physical is to confirm if you can safely partake in specific types of physical activity. A sports physical can also:
- Evaluate your general health and pinpoint any areas that require special attention, such as taking certain prescription medications for chronic illnesses.
- Assess past injuries to make sure the sports you want to do will not make them worse or result in re-injury.
- Ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations, which may be required by the sports organization in which you wish to play.
- Be a source of useful training tips to support your sports performance and reduce the risk of injury.
- Based on your medical history, provide guidance on the types of sports that are best for you.
Why do children need sports physicals?
Most schools and sports organizations require children to have a sports physical to ensure it is safe to participate in physical activities, such as playing sports. When they are not mandatory, sports physicals can give parents a chance to keep their children's vaccines up to date and discuss any concerns.
A sports physical can often be done during the same visit as a routine annual well-child exam.
Why do adults need sports physicals?
In some cases, a sports league or organization may ask for adult athletes to have a sports physical before participating. It is also not a bad idea to meet with your primary care provider if you are planning to participate in a new sport or activity and you want to be sure it is safe.
Your primary care provider can let you know what activities are safe and which may not be a good choice for you, based on your current health and medical history.
How is a Sports Physical Performed?
How is a Sports Physical Performed?A sports physical exam can take about 30 minutes, or longer if you have a more complex medical history. The physical consists of two major components.
Medical history
Your doctor may ask about:
- Current and prior medical problems you may have, such as asthma, diabetes, COVID-19 infection, heart issues, or injuries
- Health problems that may run in your family
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- Allergies
- A history of feeling faint or dizzy, passing out, trouble breathing, or chest discomfort during exercise
- The medications you are taking
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Assessment of any issues related to reproductive organs, such as menstruation and testicular health
- Vaccine history
Physical exam
The primary care provider will perform a physical exam that includes an assessment of your:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision
- Heart and lungs
- Muscles, bones, and joints, including strength, posture, and flexibility
Preparing for a Sports Physical
PreparingSchedule your sports physical at least 6-8 weeks before the start of the activity to ensure you have time to get on your doctor's schedule and have any forms completed.
If you are going to a provider other than your regular primary care physician, be sure to bring information about your personal and family medical history, medications, and immunizations so you can share them with the doctor. Also bring any medical history forms you need completed, with as much filled out in advance as possible (such as your name, address, birth date, and so forth).
What to Expect After a Sports Physical
After the physicalThe doctor will let you know if you are cleared to participate in your desired sports and if there are any restrictions you may need to consider. You may be:
- Cleared for all activities with no restrictions
- Cleared only for certain activities while avoiding others, such as not playing football or soccer if you have a history of multiple concussions
- Permitted to play with certain restrictions, such as having an inhaler nearby if you have asthma and learning how to use it beforehand
- Allowed to participate after you have engaged in physical therapy or treatment for an existing injury or condition
- Told not to participate due to your current health conditions or if the risk of injury or illness is too great
- Referred to a specialist if your doctor finds a health problem during the physical that requires follow-up care
Schedule a Sports Physical at NewYork-Presbyterian
You can get a sports physical for your child or yourself at a NewYork-Presbyterian campus or a NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group location. In-person visits and telehealth appointments* with a primary care provider are available.
We offer convenient early, late, and weekend hours, connection with our patient portal, and referrals to NewYork-Presbyterian specialists if needed. Most insurances are accepted. Contact us for an appointment.
*Restrictions apply