The fancy name is a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), but you probably know it better as a sports physical if you have a child or teen involved in organized sports at school or in a league. The PPE is often a requirement of enrollment.
There are differences between an annual checkup and a sports physical, but they’re also often similar enough that you can combine the two in a single appointment. Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD, performs both as well as treating pediatric sports injuries.
So how does a sports physical differ from an annual checkup? We’ve prepared today’s blog to answer this question for you.
There’s much in common in the structure of annual checkups and sports physicals. We’ll review medical history since your child’s last visit, and we’ll perform a general physical exam that includes vital signs and medical statistics, such as:
A sports physical has a narrower perspective than an annual checkup. Dr. Tandon is watching for anything that might make a sport unsuitable or difficult for your young athlete. A checkup has a wider scope, encompassing all aspects of your child’s health and wellness.
The state of California requires PPE as a precursor for student athlete involvement in school sports. Simply, this means if your child wants to play a sport, they’ll need a sports physical before they’ll be allowed to participate in school athletic events.
When your child has a minor medical condition or when they’ve been injured in the past, a sports physical assures that they’re ready to play and that their conditions or injuries won’t interfere or raise a risk of further injuries.
For instance, many children with asthma successfully play sports, but they may need a revised asthma treatment plan to protect against on-the-field episodes.
There are three potential outcomes after a sports physical. Your child may be cleared for participation. Dr. Tandon deems that they’re ready and physically capable of playing their chosen sport without risk.
Sometimes, there may be a requirement before your child is cleared, such as prescription safety glasses if your child requires corrective lenses.
Finally, in rare cases your child might not be cleared for participation due to a physical limitation that makes their chosen sport too risky for their current condition.
At the end of the sports physical, Dr. Tandon completes a sports physical form, listing the child’s status and any necessary requirements for participation. This form is then submitted to the school or their assigned athletic staff.
Book your child’s PPE by contacting Dr 2 Kids, Dr. Smita Tandon MD, at her Fountain Valley, California, office by phone or online today.
