Sport Physical Specialist

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), is an exam that helps determine whether it’s safe for your child to play certain sports. Most states actually require that children have a sports physical before starting a new sport or competitive season. 

While a sports physical is very similar to an annual physical exam, it’s important that you schedule these appointments separately.

What happens during a sports physical?

There are two main parts of a sports physical that your pediatrician must evaluate to determine your child’s fitness for athletics:

Medical history

Dr. Ferrand and Dr. Moawad review your family and medical history to identify patterns of health concerns in your family. This can help assess your child’s risk for certain medical conditions. During this part of the exam, your pediatrician may ask questions about:

• Medications or supplements your child takes
• Past surgeries or medical procedures
• Chronic illnesses, like asthma and diabetes
• Allergies
• Illnesses among family members

Your pediatrician may also ask your child how they feel exercising. Do they ever feel dizzy? Lightheaded? Out of breath? 

Physical exam

During the physical exam, your pediatrician typically:

• Records height and weight
• Takes blood pressure and pulse
• Performs a vision and hearing test
• Examines the ears, nose, and throat
• Checks the heart, lungs, and abdomen
• Evaluates posture, joint condition, strength, and flexibility

If your child is older, Dr. Ferrand and Dr. Moawad may ask about their diet and exercise regime, as well as lifestyle habits like recreational drugs and alcohol, as well as performance-enhancing medications.

Why does my child need a sports physical?

A sports physical doesn’t just evaluate your child’s ability to play sports; it also identifies potential health problems that might impact their participation. For example, if your child plays soccer and has allergies to grass or pollen, their pediatrician can prescribe certain allergy medications to enhance their experience in the field.

If your child is at risk of certain injuries, Dr. Ferrand and Dr. Moawad can recommend dynamic stretches and warm-up exercises to minimize their risk of injury.

If you’re ready to schedule a sports physical, call Pediatrics of Long Island or book an appointment online today.