From Bearden Middle School to Cedar Bluff Elementary, kids need their sports physicals before they can hit the field this spring! But why are they necessary?

Our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville team has some answers, so read on.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, known in the medical field as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), helps to determine whether or not a child (or adult) is physically able to participate in a sport safely.

To do this, your healthcare provider or doctor will ask questions about your child’s family history and perform a physical exam. The medical history questions are usually quite extensive, so we’ve listed the usual info most medical centers will need below so you can get an idea.

Common Medical History Questions

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Illnesses that your child currently has or had when he or she was younger, such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
• Past injuries, including concussions, sprains or bone fractures
• Whether your child has ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Any medications that your child is on, including things like over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and prescription medications

Why Is a Sports Physical Even Necessary?

Sports physicals are important because they can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child’s participation in a sport.

Plus, visiting our local AFC center for a physical is a great opportunity to talk to a top-quality healthcare professional about ways that your athlete may be prone to injury and suggest tips and exercises that he or she can do to avoid future problems.

Components of Physical Exam

• Record height and weight
• Take blood pressure and pulse
• Vision test
• Check heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Evaluate posture, joints, strength and flexibility

Sports physicals are actually required in the state of Tennessee, so make sure you stop in our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville center today before your child hits the practice field!