Most schools and athletic organizations require a sports physical to ensure the safety and eligibility of athletes who may participate in rigorous physical activities. The assessment evaluates whether an athlete is strong and physically capable of engaging in sports and can protect themselves and others from injury. At UpCare Clinics, primary care practitioner Dr. Priya Gujarati reviews an individual's health and medical history, provides a thorough physical exam, and understands how the athlete's health relates to their sport. If your child plays a competitive sport, schedule a sports physical at our Olathe, KS office today.

Schools and organizations often require physicals so they can be sure that the athletes competing aren’t in the game with a condition or ailment that could seriously jeopardize their continued well-being. For parents, it’s critical to know about their child’s basic health, too. Benefits of sports physicals administered at UpCare Clinics in Olathe, KS include:

• Ensuring a child is healthy enough to participate in sports
• Letting parents know about any issues to monitor
• Enabling further testing if a chronic issue is suspected
• Protecting an athlete’s long-term health
• Managing any conditions that arise during a physical exam

Most states require all student athletes to pass a sports physical before participating in any school sport. However, non-student athletes playing in club or recreational sports may also be required to complete a sports physical before they can hit the field.

A sports physical is different from a routine checkup and annual exam. Dr. Gujarati will thoroughly review your medical history. Before the exam, we will have you fill out a medical history form that includes questions about family health, medications, previous hospitalizations, surgeries, injuries, and more. The physical exam generally involves:

• Measuring height and weight
• Testing eyesight
• Checking blood pressure and pulse
• Examining joints, muscle strength, and flexibility
• Examining throat, ears, and abdomen

The main difference between a sports physical and a yearly exam is the purpose of the visit. Yearly exams assess the overall health and wellness of your child, both physically and mentally, and may require labs, vaccinations, or other forms of preventive care, while a sports physical assesses their ability to participate safely in a sport.

Typically, sports physicals are required for all athletes in grades 7 – 12. These physicals are valid for one calendar year and will need to be completed annually before your child can participate in any athletic sport.

Generally, a sports physical can take between 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, the provider will gather information about your health history to ensure you are able to participate safely in the sports you plan to engage in. Topics they may need to address include:

• Previous injuries
• Instances of unconsciousness
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Allergies
• Overall physical fitness