Sports Physicals 101

In just a few short weeks, school will be back in session.  For many of our local youth, preseason practices for fall sports will start very soon, if not already. Now is the time for student athletes to schedule and receive their (often mandatory) sports physical at FMC.  Because we care for our patients, their families and our local community, we provide sports physicals for all local athletes for no cost, even if the student is not a current patient. Over the years, FMC Providers have discovered many hidden medical conditions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed during sports physicals.  That’s why we are big believers in sports physicals.  

You might be wondering about the difference between a traditional physical and a sports physical.  You may also wonder what the FMC Provider will look for during a sports physical.  So, let’s discuss the 4-1-1 on sports physicals.

Why are sports physicals important?

Even if your school/sport doesn’t require a physical, it’s still a good idea to get one.  These physicals are designed to keep athletes safe; they identify potential health concerns or limitations related to participation in athletics.  Identifying these health issues early helps give the athletes and their parents time to get further evaluation in a safe, timely manner.  Additionally, during the season, many athletes are focused on honing their skills and performing their best; sometimes this distracts them from potential warning signs or pains that should not be ignored. Early detection and prevention is the key to protecting our athletes.

What is a sports physical?

There are two parts to a sports physical - a medical history review and physical examination.  

During the medical history review, the Provider will inquire about family illnesses, past hospitalizations or surgeries, allergies and medications.The physical exam includes checking vitals like height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat. In addition, Providers assess the athlete’s range of motion, strength, flexibility, coordination, joints and posture; they may also discuss body changes, drug and alcohol use, dietary supplements and any other questions or concerns you have.  

If an issue is uncovered during a sports physical, the examiner will refer the student athlete to a primary care provider or specialist, depending on the need. 

When & how often should my student athlete get a sports physical?

It is recommended that sports physicals are completed 2-4 weeks prior to the season starting, so that it doesn’t interfere with actual play.  Athletes playing multiple sports should get these done one to two times a year, between seasons.  If you have a student playing football in the fall and baseball in the spring, you don’t know what type of injuries they may have developed during the football season, so an additional physical in the winter (for spring sports) would be best.

Any family medical provider can perform a routine sports physical, but sports physicals should not replace routine visits to the patient’s primary care physician or pediatrician.  In fact, if a sports physical reveals any underlying issues that need to be followed up on, it’s important to address those with your child’s primary care provider.  That provider, who has been seeing that patient during sick and well visits usually knows the athlete best.    

To schedule your student athlete’s complimentary sports physical, please contact our office (Harrogate - 423-869-3684; Tazewell - 423-626-2317) for an appointment. Physicals must be pre-scheduled with a FMC Provider and cannot be a walk-in visit.  FMC provides sports physicals at no cost to all local athletes regardless if they or their families are patients of the clinic (includes Claiborne, Bell County & Lee County athletes.)