Sports Physicals
A sports physical exam is also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps
determine whether it's safe for your child to participate in a particular sport. The North Carolina High School
Athletic Association requires annual sports physicals for all participating students. But even if a PPE isn't
required for your child, physicians still highly recommend getting one. You should plan to have your physical
about 6 weeks before the season begins for your child's sport so there's enough time to follow up on
something, if necessary.
A sports physical consists of two parts: medical history and a physical exam. The medical history questionnaire
is filled out by the parent and includes information about family medical history and the student's past
illnesses or injuries. It's important to answer the questions as well as you can. Try not to guess or to give
answers you think your doctor wants.
The physical exam includes checking the child's height and weight, and blood pressure and pulse. The doctor
will also evaluate posture, joints, strength, and flexibility, and test the child's vision. The physician may also
ask questions about the child’s health habits.
At the end of your exam, the doctor will either fill out and sign the form if everything checks out OK. In some
cases, he or she may recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or treatment for medical issues.
A sports physical is important to help you discover and deal with any health issues that might interfere with
your child's participation in a sport. The physician can identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports
and make recommendations that could help your child avoid injuries.
Getting a sports physical once a year is usually adequate. You should also get checked out after healing from a
major injury before you start practicing or playing again. Click here to download a sports physical form (opens
in a new tab or window).
Orthopedic Care for:
bone fractures
joint injuries
joint sprains
torn ligaments
rheumatoid arthritis
muscle strains
acute back pain
neck pain
sports injuries
musculoskelatal trauma
Specializing in:
orthopedic surgery
total knee replacement
total hip replacement
total shoulder replacement
minimally invasive surgery
ACL reconstruction
arthroscopy
rotator cuff surgery
non-surgical orthopedics
spine & joint injections
Convenient Locations in:
Randolph County, Guilford County,
Forsyth County, Davidson County, and
areas of Rockingham County and
Alamance County, Greensboro, High
Point, Winston-Salem, Kernersville,
Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale,
Colfax, Pleasant Garden, Reidsville,
Browns Summit, Gibsonville, Whitsett,
McLeansville,Julian, Jamestown
and surrounding areas
Murphy Wainer
Orthopedic Specialists
1130 North Church Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336.375.2300
Fax: 336.375.2314
mwo @ sosbonedocs.com
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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for
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