Sports Physicals
Sports Physicals vs Well-Child Checkups
Sports physicals are different from the typical well-child checkup because their goal is to be sure your child can safely enjoy sports without risking harm to their body.
- Ensure your child is prepared for vigorous physical activity
- Gather information on your child’s health and development
- Watch for potential warning signs of serious illness
- Meet the requirements of your child’s school, camp, or sports team
- Identify possible risk factors with a certain sport
- Receive advice on avoiding injuries
Regular Physicals Are An Important Part Of Preventative Pediatric Care
Getting your child an sports physical gives the doctor the opportunity to examine your child, evaluate their health and fitness, and determine whether or not they are prepared for sports or school activities.
Annual physicals however, even when not required by a certain organization, should be a part of your child’s ongoing healthcare because they also provide an important opportunity to discuss your child’s development and any concerns you may have.
Please note that in the state of Michigan, an MHSAA form will be needed to participate in sports. These forms are only valid on or after April 15th of the previous school year. If your child is typically due for their yearly exam in January-March, you may want to wait until after April 15th if they are interested in sports.
Your insurance company will only cover one physical a year-- and they count a sports physical as a routine physical. Please call the office if you have any further questions.
Sports Physical FAQs
What is a sports physical?
Every child or teen in Michigan who wants to play in a sport or engage in other school activities like Cheerleading must have a Sports Physical or a Preparticipation Physical Examination.
The purpose of a Sports Physical is to be sure your child can safely participate in sports. Starting high-intensity workouts and/or engaging in a competitive sport can quickly aggravate a pre-existing problem or possibly lead to an injury that otherwise might have been preventable.
Although a Sports Physical might find a problem that prevents participation, in most cases, the examination results are used to guide participation decisions. If the exam does reveals a problem or concern Village Pediatrics will treat your child before they start the sport. Our goal is safe, healthy participation for all of our student athletes!
Why is a child’s medical history important?
A medical history form provides information about:
- Chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
- Hospitalizations or surgeries
- Past injuries such as concussions, sprains, or fractures
- Problems with dizziness, chest pain, or breathing during exercise
- Medications and supplements
- Allergies
- Family history of serious illnesses
A complete medical history helps us determine if your child has a condition that might be aggrivated by participation in a sport.