Sports Physicals

April brings many things to the Phoenix area, including warmer temperatures, new plant blooms and the eager anticipation for the glorious summer months. It also brings early summer camp registrations and a child's need for a sports physical. With work and school schedules spanning a doctor's typical working hours, you probably ask yourself "How can I squeeze in a doctor's visit?" One Phoenix Family Medical Clinic location is open one hour longer during weekdays, and all three are open for select hours on Saturdays.

The second question you may be thinking is "My child is healthy. Why do they need a physical?" Each organization providing your child with an opportunity to participate in their activities is legally responsible for your child. Therefore, federal and state regulations prohibit your child from participating in activities without parent or guardian authorization as well as a doctor's signature. Some activities may trigger particular health conditions, so release forms are a preventative measure for legal reasons.

Some parents may be concerned with how invasive a sports physical is. According to Doctors of Medicine Gavin and O'Brien[1], sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations, are broken into four parts: medical history, current physical state, puberty-related questions, and the use of substances such as drugs, steroids, tobacco, weight-loss supplements and alcohol.

Medical History

This portion is common in all doctor visits. Before the doctor meets you, you will need to fill out paperwork containing medical history questions regarding:

• Your family's serious illnesses - This helps determine what genetic factors may be a current or future health issue
• Widespread health diseases like asthma, seizures or diabetes
• Existence of injuries including sprains, broken bones and concussions
• Hospitalization or surgeries - Doctors, camps and schools all need to know this type of information because it can be a determining factor if other related health issues arise
• Allergies - People can have severe allergic reactions to medicine, foods and insects
• Health concerns - This is the time for you and your child to bring up if they have ever felt dizzy, experienced chest pain, had difficulty breathing from physical activity or fainted
• Medication - This extends beyond doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals. The physician and the organization caring for your child needs to be made aware of any over-the-counter medications your child is taking, including but not limited to pain killers, allergy remedies, vitamins, minerals and supplements

Current Physical State

The physician will do a minimally invasive physical exam by measuring your child's height, weight, heart rate, heart rhythm and sight. They will also use a stethoscope to listen to their heart and lungs as well as checking for fluids or abnormalities in the throat, nose and ears. The doctor will also press on your child's stomach to check their abdomen. Other tests check for bone and muscle function.

Puberty-Related and Substance Use Questions

Depending on your child's age, the physician is required to ask questions regarding your daughter's puberty status. Irregular menstruation cycles can lead to other health issues, especially if she is active in sports. Substance use questions are common in any type of exam, but sports physicals will probe deeper into the possible use of steroids and herbal supplements given that these can both contribute to mental and physical issues in children.

Before school is out and the registration date passes, make sure your child receives a sports physical. It is a quick process that will give you and your child peace of mind.

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic has several family doctors ready to serve you and your family for any physicals, immunizations and more. With three convenient locations throughout the Phoenix valley, we make the walk-in experience an enjoyable one. Please visit us today for all your health needs!

[1]Gavin, Mary L, M.D. and Kathleen B. O'Brien, MD. "Sports Physicals." August 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2014 from kidshealth.org.

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