A sports, camp, or pre-participation physical is an abbreviated physical exam which essentially looks for any health issues that may preclude a young athlete from safely participating in the sport or activity of interest. When done properly, the history portion is completed by the parent and then reviewed with the health care provider to determine potential risks.
Family history is an important component to a sports physical.
The physical portion of the exam focuses on the patient’s vision, heart, lung and musculoskeletal system. If the doctor finds any sign of a potential problem, he or she should require a more in depth evaluation or testing with the patient’s regular pediatrician or primary care physician. At Lakes Urgent Care we also routinely complete vision testing along with urine testing as a part of the pre-participation physical. If there appears to be no reasons for exclusion, the appropriate forms are completed for submission.