Physicals for sports, school and camp

Sports, school and camp bring richness and learning to your child’s life. Keep in mind, though, that many organizations require your child to complete a physical before participating.

Advocate Children’s Hospital provides convenient physicals that account for the rest of your child’s care. We have nearly 2 dozen primary care clinics in Chicagoland, with convenient after-hours appointments. Also, while physicals are not a replacement for annual well visits we can schedule the services together.

Choose Advocate Children’s for your child’s school or sports physical

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your child’s regular doctor conduct physicals required for participation. We provide camp, school and sports physicals, with:

• Convenient appointments: Our clinics are located throughout Chicagoland. Appointments are available until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as on Saturday mornings. Some offices have additional extended hours. Find a location.
• Comprehensive assessments: Exams are performed by your regular pediatrician. They have your child’s detailed medical history and can perform a more thorough evaluation.
• Specialist follow-ups: Most children are cleared for participation right away. Some, though, need to see a specialist because of family history or issues that come up during the exam. If that’s the case, we can connect you with top specialists at Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Sports physicals

Unlike a school physical that your child’s school requires for enrollment, a sports physical is a medical appointment that is intended to make sure it’s safe for your child to participate in sports. Most states, including Illinois, require that your child have a sports physical on file before they’re permitted to play school sports.

Most primary care doctors and immediate care clinics offer sports physicals. But it’s helpful to have your child’s primary care provider perform the sports physical since they have a complete picture of your child’s health and know their health history best. Many providers even offer annual exams and sports physicals in one appointment. You also can check with your child’s school if they offer sports physicals onsite.

What to expect during your child’s sports physical

During a sports physical, your child’s provider determines whether your child has any health issues that would increase their risks for playing sports. There are usually two parts to a sports physical: a health history intake and a physical exam.

You’ll need to complete a sports physical form or preparticipation physical evaluation form about your child’s medical history. The form contains many questions about your child such as:

• Chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
• Current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
• Family history of chronic diseases
• Past hospitalizations or surgeries, if relevant
• Previous injuries or illnesses

Your doctor reviews and updates your child’s health history during the visit. The doctor examines and tests your child’s:

• Blood pressure
• Height and weight
• Pulse
• Strength, flexibility and reflexes
• Height, weight and blood pressure
• Vision and hearing
• Eyes, ears, nose and throat
• Neck and chest
• Heart and abdomen
• Lymph nodes
• Skin, muscles, joints and spine

Your child’s provider will also ask if your child has ever experienced concerning symptoms while exercising, such as dizziness, chest pain or fainting. Providers ask females about their periods and males about any testicle pain.

Your doctor then talks to both of you about the findings and any sport-specific issues. The doctor may discuss:

• Training tips
• Information on how to prevent or reduce the chance of getting hurt
• Ways to participate while managing health problems
• Questions your child would like to discuss in confidence

How to prepare for your child’s sports physical

Doctors can get very busy as sports season gears up. It’s best to find out when practice is starting and schedule your child’s appointment as early as possible. You should schedule a sports physical at least six weeks before an upcoming sports season. This allows plenty of time for your child to receive any necessary treatments before getting cleared to play.

Make sure you bring your child’s most updated information, including:

• Medications and supplements
• Medical history
• Allergies
• Family history of serious illness
• Questions and concerns (yours and your child’s)

Note that sports physicals can be kept on file for one year, although you may complete a new form each season. Any time your child experiences health changes, you should take them to the doctor to make sure it’s still safe for them to play sports.

Camp and school physicals

If your child’s camp or school requires a physical, it can provide a good opportunity to check for age-appropriate development. It can also get children and parents off to a confident, healthy start each school year.

A camp or school physical usually includes:

• Review of family medical history
• Height and weight measurements
• Blood pressure and heart check
• Vision screening
• Vaccine review

Bring the same list you take to your child’s annual wellness exams, including information on:

• Medications and supplements
• Medical history
• Allergies
• Family history of serious illness
• Questions and concerns (yours and your child’s)