July 17, 2017 - TCO

The benefits of high school sports physicals

With forms to fill out and fees to pay, equipment and gear to inspect, purchase or upgrade, and apparel to buy (both the must-have pieces and the team-spirit extras), getting kids ready for their sports seasons is a full-time job in itself! And don’t forget about the requirements that aren’t always top-of-mind, like fundraisers and pre-season check-ups.

Sports physicals are very important for many reasons, beyond getting the green light to play. Below are the benefits, and what to expect.

Reminder: TCO is offering Free High School Sports Physicals for student-athletes. RSVP today and secure your spot.

What to expect

A sports physical is an exam that assesses a student-athlete’s health and fitness as it relates to their sport to make sure they are healthy enough to participate in the upcoming season. Although it will not be as comprehensive as the physical exam of a typical annual check-up, the health care provider will examine your child with the general requirements of their sport(s) in mind and look for conditions or injuries that could make it unsafe to participate.

If your child has a condition or injury that will affect his or her safety and/or performance, the health care provider will suggest treatments that include ordering appropriate testing, prescribing medication, and suggesting exercises and/or modifications that will help them play their sport safely.

We encourage parents to come prepared to discuss their child’s family history, past medical history, and any pre-existing conditions. Even if there haven’t been issues in the past, every new year can trigger changes in a growing body.

Where to go

At Twin Cities Orthopedics, we offer free sports physicals in the summer at several of our metro locations. Your student-athlete will see both an orthopedic and a primary care provider, and if needed, a certified athletic trainer. If the locations, dates, or times don’t work for your family, your pediatrician, a physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner can perform a sports physical at your preferred clinic. Your child can also get a sports physical at a drugstore chain clinic or at their school, if offered.

About TCO Free Sports Physicals

TCO sports-qualifying physical exams are open to middle school, high school or college student-athletes with clear medical histories.

• Students currently under primary care provider (PCP) care for current or previously diagnosed medical conditions/injuries/illnesses are advised to receive medical examinations from their PCPs.
• The sports physical exams usually take about 20 minutes.
• Parents or guardians are required to accompany their child if he or she is under 18.

In the end, you’re looking for a thumbs-ups to play (or a clear understanding of the recommended modifications) and a signature on the required clearance form(s), which you will send on to your child’s athletics director or office at their school. Remember, a sports physical should not replace regular visits to your child’s primary care physician; it is a complementary part of a student-athlete’s overall health care.