Sports Physicals Specialist

What’s a sports physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), takes an in-depth look at your child’s health history and physical readiness to make sure it’s safe for them to take part in team sports or recreational athletic activities. 

Although the state of Tennessee only requires sports physicals for student-athletes entering seventh and ninth grades, the team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics recommends annual sports physicals for young athletes of all ages, starting as early as kindergarten, who wants to enroll in a new sport or start a new competitive season. 

What happens during a sports physical?

Your young athlete’s sports physical begins with a standard evaluation of their height, weight, and vital signs, including body temperature, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. 

Next, your Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics doctor listens to your child’s heart to check for signs of an irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or other functional problems that can affect heart health during increased physical activity. A sports physical also checks your child’s: 

• Ear, nose, and throat health
  
• Posture and joint stability 
  
• Muscle tone and flexibility
  
• Lung health and capacity

Adolescent boys may be checked for hernias, while adolescent girls may be asked about the regularity of their menstrual cycle.   

Finally, a vision test helps determine whether your child needs corrective lenses to play sports. Even if your child has perfect vision, the team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics recommends protective eyewear for all young athletes who play contact sports. 

Why is my child’s health history important?

The health history portion of a sports exam gathers specific personal and family information that can help identify and prevent potential medical problems on the field, in the game, or during competitive events.    

Because your child’s complete health history is key to determining whether they can participate in a specific sport or activity without any restrictions, it’s a good idea to fill out the health history questionnaire prior to your appointment. 

When will my child be cleared to play sports? 

Most of the time, the team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics is able to provide clearance for sports participation at the end of the exam itself. If your child has any specific issues or conditions that warrant further investigation or care before the season begins they may require additional testing, treatment, or even a follow-up exam before they can get in the game. 

To schedule your child’s next sports physical, call Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics, or book an appointment online at any time.