Is your child planning to participate in school sports? A sports physical or pre-participation exam (PPE Test) is required to make sure they can safely participate in sports activities.
New to Sports Physical? Here is an Easy Definition for You
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation examination or PPE, determines if your child is physically fit to participate in sports safely. In other words, the test can tell if they can play sports.
However, keep in mind that annual physicals are not a replacement for annual checkups or physicals as a sports physical is only performed to check the ability of a child to play sports. Most states have made it compulsory for all student-athletes to undergo a sports physical before taking part in any school-level sport.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
While performing a sports physical, the physician will generally:
- Check the weight and height of your kid
- Check the blood pressure and pulse
- Check the vision
- Check the lungs and heart
- Check the muscles, bones, and joints.
You can also get guidance on the diet, health, and sports of your kid from the doctor.
What If a Sports Physical Detects a Problem?
The sports physical aims to ensure that your kids stay safe while participating in sports. Some athletes pass the test. While for some, the doctor might prescribe medicine, exam, and more tests, or even order physical therapy to help your kids play sports safely. It rarely happens that the doctor might find that an athlete cannot play sports. But that doesn’t mean they cannot play any sports. For example, if a child has a concussion problem, the doctor can ask them to choose tennis over football.
What is Required to Bring to Your Kid’s Sports Physical?
At Sun Pediatrics, our aim is to simplify the kid’s sports physical for you. Please bring your proper identification and the associated forms along with you. Also, make sure to take along a list of recent surgeries, your child’s medication, illness, and injuries so that we have a complete understanding of your kid’s medical history.
Schools We Serve
Alpharetta High School, Chattahoochee High School, Johns Creek High School, Milton High School, Cambridge High School, Roswell High School, East Cobb Middle School, Marietta Middle School, and many more! School sports physical forms for Fulton County Schools can be found here.
When to Get One
Make an appointment for your sports physical at least six weeks before the start of your season. This should give you enough time to schedule any necessary tests or treatments if your doctor discovers a problem. If your sports physical is the day before baseball practice begins and it turns out there is something that needs to be taken care of before you can suit up, neither you nor your doctor will be very thrilled.
Well Care & Preventative Care
Why Choose Sun Pediatrics
Quality and Accuracy
We understand that quality and precise diagnostic or lab findings are important for better clinical results. With our quality-oriented processes, we make sure that our services can comply with the standards set at the local and international levels. We also follow the AAP’s guidelines with the latest research and care.
State of the Art Machines and Technology
We are equipped with the latest lab technology operated by an experienced pathologist to ensure accurate results. These machines used in the collection, testing and tracking have let us quickly deliver test reports. Moreover, we stay up to date with the progress in the field of lab technology so that we ensure you the latest development in diagnostics.
Highly Trained Staff
We are backed by highly trained and professional lab technicians and pediatricians.
Quick Turnaround
Most of our tests are done in-house so that we can ensure you the quickest results possible.