The Importance of Sports Physicals (And More!)Physicals are a great way to learn about your child’s overall health. While most students only have sports physicals done before participating in a school sport, back-to-school physicals for non-athletic students can also be beneficial by making the parent aware of any potential health concerns.

Employment physicals

Pre-emplpoyment physicals help the employer know the limits of the future employee. Without thee pre-employment physical, an employee may be assigned to a task or area that surpasses their ability. Annual physicals also help identify any issues within employees, as well as ensure their health and safety. M. D. Express Urgent Care offers physicals for pre-employment, employment, worker’s compensation, and return-to-work evaluations.

Physicals for sports

One of the necessary tasks before participating in sports during school is having a yearly physical completed.  According to a study completed in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2015, 50 states require a PPE (Preparticipation Physical Evaluation) before any sports participation. Sports physicals are similar to the back to school physical; however, the physician specifically looks at the child’s family history to see whether the child has “any diseases or injuries that could make it unsafe to participate in sports.”  This is to ensure the safety of your child by deciding whether they’re physically able to play the sport.

Why are physicals important?

Appointments for physicals are short and sweet.  However, despite their concise nature, they are still beneficial in making you aware of your child’s overall health.  They can determine whether your child has any issues that would prevent them from playing sports and if your child has any other issues that you should be concerned about.  Should it be the latter, the physician performing the exam would then refer your child to a specialist that focuses on treatment for that specific issue.

What should I ask the doctor during the physical?

Attending your child’s sports physical or back-to-school physical appointment is a great opportunity to ask the doctor any questions you may have.  This could be anything from your family’s medical history and whether any of those issues could affect your child to questions specifically catered toward the sport your child wishes to participate in.  It is important to be honest with the physician and discuss any concerns you may already have as well as any concerns you may have become aware of during the examination.

Beneficial to all

Having your child get a physical done can be beneficial for both you and your child, no matter if it’s a back-to-school or a sports physical.  It is a great way to learn more about your child, their overall health, and any health concerns you may have about them.  Don’t be afraid to ask any questions at the appointment.  Instead, ask any questions you may have so that you leave the appointment feeling confident in understanding your child’s health. At M.D. Express Urgent Care, we’re happy to help answer your questions relating to physicals, so contact us today to get started!

For other information about M.D. Express visit our services page or our FAQ page.