School and Sports Physicals

Before your child returns to school or hits the playing field, a physical exam ensures that they’re healthy and can safely enjoy their sports. Arun Amaram, MD, and their team at North Dallas Primary Care Doctors perform thorough exams, verify children meet participation standards, and keep them on track for a successful year. Call the office in Frisco, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

What is a school physical?

School physicals protect your child’s health and safety by identifying issues that could affect their ability to participate in school activities, whether in the classroom or on the field.

These physicals are typically required of children before they start kindergarten (around age 5) and when they’re entering the seventh grade (about 12 years old).

Some children may need a back-to-school physical to ensure that they have all the required immunizations. However, if they’ve had their well-child exams, they should be up to date.

How do school and sports physicals differ?

A school physical assesses your child’s overall health. Sports physicals focus on determining whether they can participate in athletic activities safely without risk of injury.

Sports physicals, also called preparticipation physical exams (PPEs), are required each year for all children who wish to participate in school athletics.

Your child might also need a sports physical before joining a community team or another organized sport.

What should I expect during school and sports physicals?

During your child’s school or sports physical, your provider reviews their medical history and learns about previous sports injuries, if any.

It’s necessary for the provider to learn about:

• Chronic illnesses (asthma, allergies, diabetes, and others)
• Previous fractures, strains, sprains, or concussions
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Problems that develop during exercise (like fatigue, difficulty breathing, or dizziness)
• Family history of heart or lung problems
• Medications and supplements they take
• History of smoking, using alcohol, or drugs

Your child’s medical history helps guide their physical exam. For example, if they have a prior injury, your provider will check it to ensure that it has healed properly and evaluate their risk of a recurrent injury.

An existing health condition doesn’t always prevent children from playing sports, but it might affect some activities or require treatment. For example, children with asthma may need preactivity treatment to avoid a flare-up.

Sports physicals focus on evaluating bones, muscles, and joints for flexibility and strength, ensuring no evident signs of problems that put your child at risk of injury. Your provider might do a neurological exam.

High school athletes can choose to have a heart screening to ensure that they’re not at risk of a rare condition that can be deadly if they engage in athletics.

Schedule your child’s school or sports physical right away. Call North Dallas Primary Care Doctors, book your visit online, or walk in to get the expert care your child needs.