Sports physical appointments

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About Sports physical

A sports physical exam or a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is a checkup with a healthcare professional before a new sports season or return to school. The goal is to assess your health and fitness as it relates to your sport to determine if you can safely compete. The doctor or provider can also give advice on how to protect against injury, and how to safely play with an existing medical condition (for example, if you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe a different inhaler or change their medicine).

Sports physicals are usually required to participate in middle school and high school sports that are organized through the school. Club sports often do not require them (though doctors still recommend getting one). It should be noted that a sports physical is not a replacement for regular medical care or checkups with your or your child's health care provider. Also, while physicals are not required for adult sports, it is generally a good idea to see your physician before starting any new sport or physical activity.

We've compiled the top questions asked by patients like you about sports physicals in . For additional questions or to get a specific need addressed, please speak directly to your provider.

Different doctors may conduct sports physicals differently, but they will all generally want to get a general sense of your state of health and well-being.

They may ask questions about any current or past health problems (illnesses, injuries, medical conditions, heart problems, chest pain, etc.), family history, diet, drugs, alcohol, or supplements being taken, or about menstrual periods (for girls and women).

They will also conduct a physical examination in which they may measure your height and weight, measure your blood pressure and pulse, test your vision, check your heart, lungs, ears, nose, and throat, check for hernias, and check your posture, joint health, strength, and flexibility.

If you receive a form regarding medical history, you will want to fill that out and bring it to your physical. If not you will want to bring as much of the following information as possible:

  • A list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins you or your child is taking
  • A list of all the immunization shots that you or your child have had and the dates they were received
  • A list of allergies and reactions
  • You or your child's medical history, such as any illnesses they have or have had, current or past injuries (concussions, sprains, broken or dislocated bones, etc.), and any surgeries or hospitalizations
  • Family history. Particularly if there have been any deaths related to exercise
  • Last, but not least, you will want to bring the sports physical form with you for the doctor to fill out and sign. This generally includes a health history form, certifications, consents, and signatures. Most schools require a completed sports physical form before participation is allowed.

Sesame is the best place to save money on a physical. On Sesame, you can find top-reviewed doctors who offer sports physicals and pay them directly - without insurance.

Note that sometimes a child's school will bring in a doctor to conduct these checkups. Still, many parents and students opt to have their sports physical completed by an external doctor or specialist.

If you're looking to book an appointment for a sports physical Sesame can help! Sesame offers convenient consultations in at affordable cash-pay prices. Simply search for primary care physicians in our search engine, compare prices, and book with the doctor you want to see directly on the site. Save up to 60% on your appointment when you book through Sesame - no insurance needed.

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