Sports Pre-Participation Physical Examinations (PPE)
In the Sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for a child or teen to participate in certain sports. A PPE is different from a standard physical. Most states require a PPE before starting a new sport or begin a new competitive season. Even if a PPE isn’t required, The physicians at Alpharetta and Cumming Internal Medicine highly recommend getting one. The two main parts of a PPE are medical history and a physical exam.
Why is a Sports Physical Important?
A PPE can help to find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child or teen’s participation in a sport. For example, if they have frequent asthma but are a starting forward in a soccer match, your physician may prescribe a different inhaler or adjust the dosage so that they can breathe more easily when running. Your physician may even have training tips and ideas for avoiding injuries such as stretching or strengthening activities, that help prevent injuries. We also can identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports. Advice like this will make your child or teen a better, stronger athlete!
Medical History
- Illnesses among family members
- Illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- Allergies (insect bites, etc.)
- Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- Questions concerning feeling dizzy, chest pain, or trouble breathing during exercise
- Current medication (over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and prescription drugs)
Physical Examination
- Record height and weight
- Take a blood pressure and pulse reading
- Test vision
- Check the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
- Evaluate posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
PPE Conclusions
At the end of the examination, your physician will sign a form if everything is satisfactory or, in some cases, recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems. A physical should be completed about 6 weeks before the sports season begins so there is enough time to follow up on something if necessary. If your physician asks for additional tests or a follow-up exam — it could be something as simple as rechecking blood pressure a few weeks after the examination. It is very unlikely that a child or teen will be disqualified from playing sports. The ultimate goal of the sports physical is to make sure they are safe while playing sports, not to stop them from playing.
Ongoing PPE Maintenance
Even if a PPE doesn’t reveal any problems, it’s always wise to monitor your child or teen when they play sports. If you notice changes in their physical condition — even if you think they are small, such as muscle pain or shortness of breath — be sure to follow up. Just as professional sports stars need medical care to keep them playing their best, so do child or teenage athletes. You can give them the same edge as the pros by making sure they have a PPE annually!
Call to Schedule an Appointment
Alpharetta Internal Medicine Office
1380 Upper Hembree Rd.
Roswell, GA 30076
Cumming Internal Medicine Office
950 Sanders Rd
Cumming, GA 30041