A Sports Physical Can Keep Your Student Athlete Healthy All Season Long

From school sports to travel leagues, the sports season is yearlong for many students today. But whether your child participates for just one season or every season, a sports physical is key to keeping them healthy and injury-free.

Why are sports physicals important?

“A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2023 Annual Meeting found that while the overall injury rate for student athletes has decreased, serious injuries requiring time away or even surgeries have increased,” said Karrie L. Kiskaddon, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with Penn Highlands Family Medicine in DuBois. “Sports physicals can detect health risks in your children before they become problems, helping them stay on the field for a safe and healthy sports season.”

What happens during a sports physical?

Your primary care provider will assess your child to ensure that they can safely participate in athletics. Your provider will likely examine your child’s joints and flexibility and discuss any past injuries or concerns, such as sprains, concussions, asthma, surgery or medications. They will also check your child’s heart and assess your child’s family medical history for any risks.

In addition, your provider may check that your child is up to date on vaccinations and will evaluate your child’s height and weight. Obesity is one thing that should be detected and addressed early. If a child is putting on weight but is not seen annually by their primary care provider, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure could develop.

Are sports physicals the same as annual physicals?

No, these two physicals are not the same, and sports physicals should not replace annual exams from a primary care provider.

“A sports physical evaluates a student athlete’s ability to participate in sports,” said Dr. Kiskaddon. “While an annual physical is a more comprehensive exam that addresses every aspect of your child’s health.”

Who needs a sports physical?

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) requires all students who wish to participate in an interscholastic sport to have a comprehensive initial pre-participation sports physical evaluation (CIPPE) by an authorized medical examiner (a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine, a certified physician assistant, a certified registered nurse practitioner or a school nurse practitioner).

Most club sports, travel leagues and other recreational sports organizations also require sports physicals before students can participate.

When should I schedule my child’s sports physical?

Sports physicals typically need to be completed and submitted before the first practice. The start of the school year and the fall sports season is a busy time for primary care providers, so be sure to schedule your child’s sports physical ahead of time. Be aware, however, that you can schedule too early. In Pennsylvania, a sports physical cannot be authorized by a provider before June 1 for the upcoming year. Check with your school district or sports organization for details in your area.

In addition to treating minor illnesses and injuries, the primary care physicians at Penn Highlands Healthcare Family Medicine clinics provide routine physical exams, school physicals and sports physicals. For more information or to schedule a sports physical, visit www.phhealthcare.org/familymedicine.