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Sports Physicials
The state of Washington requires that students who want to participate in organized sports undergo a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) every two years to help determine if it's safe for them to take part.
A sports physical can help a student find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with participating in a sport. For example, if the student has frequent asthma attacks but is a starting forward in soccer, our providers might be able to prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that the student can breathe more easily when they run.
Our providers have good training tips and advice for avoiding injuries. They can identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports.
A sports physical consists of two main components -- the medical history and the physical exam.
Medical History
This part of the exam includes questions about:
- Serious illnesses among other family members
- Past or present illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- History of passing out, dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing during exercise
- Current medications (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)
We have a form that the patient fills out. If possible, parents are encouraged to share family medical history.
Looking at patterns of illness in a family is a very good indicator of any potential conditions a student may have. Most sports medicine doctors believe the medical history is the most important part of the sports physical exam, so take time to answer the questions carefully. It's unlikely that any health conditions will prevent someone from playing sports completely.
Answer the questions as well as you can. Try not to guess the answers or give answers you think your provider wants.
Physical Examination
During the physical part of the exam, our providers will:
- Record your height and weight
- Take a blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm) reading
- Test vision
- Check heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
- Evaluate posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
Although most aspects of the exam will be the same for males and females, if a person has started or already gone through puberty, the provider may ask girls and guys different questions.
A doctor will also ask questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight-loss supplements, because these can affect a person's health.
At the end of the exam, our provider will either fill out and sign a form if everything checks out OK or, in some cases, recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems.
Do I Still Have to Get a Regular Physical?
In a word, yes. It may seem like overkill, but a sports physical is different from a standard physical.
The sports physical focuses on well-being as it relates to playing a sport. It's more limited than a regular physical, but it's a lot more specific about athletic issues. During a regular physical, however, our providers will address overall well-being, which may include things that are unrelated to sports. Patients can ask their provider to give you both types of exams during one visit; just be aware that this will take more time.
Even if a sports physical exam doesn't reveal any problems, it's always wise to notice changes in physical condition - even if they seem small, such as muscle pain or shortness of breath - be sure to mention them to a parent or coach. Inform a phys-ed teacher or coach if health needs have changed in any way.
Just as professional sports stars need medical care to keep them playing their best, so do teenage athletes. An athlete can give him or herself the same edge as the pros by making sure they have a sports physical.