The summer is drawing to an end and the kids have spent the season sleeping late, going to all the assorted camps and generally having a good time. It is now time to think about returning to school. The typical school shopping check list includes new back pack, pens, pencils, paper, new clothes and oh yes a sports physical. Most athletic programs require a physical exam by a medical provider prior to participating. This exam is referred to as a “Sports Physical." It is not as comprehensive as a yearly physical exam, but covers the basics to prevent injuries.
The purpose of a Sports Physical is to:
- Maximize safe participation by children and adolescents,
- Identify medical problems with risks of life-threatening complications during participation (eg, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
- Identify conditions that require a treatment plan before or during participation (eg, hypertension)
- Identify and rehabilitate old musculoskeletal injuries
- Identify and treat conditions that interfere with performance (eg, exercise-induced bronchospasm) and remove unnecessary restrictions on participation
There are some conditions that require a treatment plan before or during exercise. In addition to cardiovascular abnormalities, there are numerous other medical conditions that should be identified before clearance for sports participation. These conditions can be associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome or injury if left untreated. Identifying and fully rehabilitating old musculoskeletal injuries has the greatest yield for identifying problems that will interfere with subsequent performance because injuries are common among athletes. Previous injury is the strongest predictor of sports injury.
Part of the sports physical exam includes counseling about proper hydration, diet, and pre-participation conditioning. Concussion is a major concern and understanding the symptoms and treatment is paramount to neurological safety.
The sports physical exam is frequently the only time a teenager will have any contact with a medical provider and it should be utilized by the provider as a screening and teaching opportunity.
