Notes

The Parents Guide to Sports Physicals
WHAT IS A SPORTS PHYSICAL:

A sports physical is an exam done by a medical professional that helps determine be it safe for a child to participate in a specific sport. Most schools require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they are able to start a new sport or begin 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 may have, and base their decisions in regards to that information. A sports physical can help identify and cope with health problems that might put your child at an increased risk while participating in their sport.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The actual forms will be supplied by your school. They have a portion that you complete, called the medical history, and some for the doctor to complete, called the physical exam. The physical exam usually takes 10 - 15 minutes, and is performed with all of the child's clothes on.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF A SPORTS PHYSICAL:

*Screen for potentially life-threatening or disabling conditions.

*Screen for conditions that could 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 1 / 2 of the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) form is a set of questions called the medical history. This is arguably the most important component 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 before the evaluation. In a single study, only 39% of what the kids deposit agreed with information distributed by the parents completing exactly the same form. Take the time to answer the questions carefully.


EXAM:

The physical examination portion of the PPE may be the actual exam preformed by your physician. It is centered on the regions of greatest concern in sports participation, and is an opportunity to screen the areas identified as problems in the history. During the exam, the doctor will usually check your son or daughter's height, weight, vision, lungs, heart, skin, and the musculoskeletal system. They will also evaluate posture, joints, range of motion, and flexibility.

DETERMINING CLEARANCE:

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation is not intended to discourage or prevent participation in competitive sports. It's unlikely that any health issues your child has will prevent them from playing sports completely.

At the end of an athlete's exam, the physician will sign a form allowing your child to take part in their sport. Occasionally 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 ought to be performed at the very least 6 weeks before preseason practice. This allows the student athlete to deal with issues before practice starts, and not take any time from their sports participation.

THE FINAL WORD:

Remember, the sports physical is not intended to disqualify your son or daughter from any sport. addressing DOT issues 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 sure they are healthy enough to compete. Though it may seem just like a chore, sports physicals are a significant component to your child's health.

Here's my website: https://pratt-griffith.federatedjournals.com/disability-medical-fact-or-social-construct-1683139527