[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/05\/importance-sports-physicals\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/05\/importance-sports-physicals\/","headline":"The Importance of Sports Physicals","name":"The Importance of Sports Physicals","description":"Learn more about sports physicals and why they are important for kids of all skill levels. ","datePublished":"2014-05-10","dateModified":"2018-09-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/doctor-sports-physical.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/doctor-sports-physical.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/05\/importance-sports-physicals\/","about":["Fitness","Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":350,"keywords":["abdominal mass","cardiovascular history","concussion","elbow dislocation","femur fracture","fever","general exam","heart conditions","injury","injury history","irregular heart beat","knee instability","medical history","PPE","sports physical","vitals signs"],"articleBody":"Sports physicals, also called a pre-participation exam (PPE), help determine whether it’s safe for a child or adolescent to participate in physical activity. Most schools require a sports physical, and some schools offer it to their students. But even if a PPE isn’t required, it is still highly recommended for young athletes to have one completed.Here are the top reasons why it’s important for your child to get a sports physical:Maximize safe participation in physical activityIdentify any life threatening medical conditions such as certain heart conditionsIdentify conditions that may limit participation such as a recent concussionIdentify conditions that require a treatment plan, such as uncontrolled blood pressure, eating disorders or certain lung conditionsIdentifying and fully rehabilitating old musculoskeletal injuries, as previous injury is the strongest predictor of a future sports injury. Proper rehabilitation can lead to lower injury rates.Remove unnecessary restrictions on participation in sportsAdvise children and adolescents which sports would be appropriate for them to participate inAllows the doctor time to discuss important issues such as healthy eating habits, avoidance of drugs or alcohol, and the importance of wearing seat belts and helmetsDuring sports physicals, the physician will address conditions that may restrict athletic participation. These include the following:Knee instabilityFemur fractureElbow dislocationIrregular heart beatAbdominal massFever: Children and adolescents with fever should be restricted from participation as fever may accompany other infections that may make exercise dangerous. Fever also increases the risk of heat illness.Components of the Sports Physical ExamMedical historyInjury historyCardiovascular historyVital signsGeneral ExamGetting a PPE once a year before the school year begins is recommended. The sports physical should be completed about 6 weeks prior to the athletic season to allow enough time to follow up on any health issues that may be identified during the physical. Even if the physical doesn’t detect any health problems, you should seek medical attention if new health problems emerge during the sports season.For $20 discounted sports physicals at Urgent Care, visit www.upmc.com\/urgentcare."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"05","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/05\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Importance of Sports Physicals","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/05\/importance-sports-physicals\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]