Every year, thousands of student-athletes across Georgia get ready for school and community sports programs. One essential part of that preparation is the sports physical exam, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE). This exam helps ensure your child is healthy, safe, and ready to play. It can also prevent injuries and detect potential health issues early, supporting long-term athletic performance.
At Prestige Medical Group, our providers deliver compassionate and comprehensive sports physicals for children and teens in Jasper, Canton, Roswell, and Rome, GA. We specialize in family and pediatric care designed to keep growing athletes healthy and confident throughout the sports season. Our experienced team is here to help your child meet school or league requirements while guiding injury prevention and overall well-being.
If you’re preparing for your child’s next sports physical, here’s what to know and how to make the process easy and effective.
Understanding the Sports Physical Exam Checklist
A sports physical exam checklist helps families prepare for a smooth appointment and ensures all necessary forms and medical details are ready. Most schools or leagues require an annual sports physical, and missing information can delay your child’s participation.
What to Bring:
- Sports physical forms – Often provided by the school or athletic program. These outline clearance requirements and need to be signed by the provider.
- Medical history records – Bring information on past illnesses, surgeries, injuries, and any chronic conditions like asthma or allergies.
- Medication list – Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or inhalers your child uses regularly.
- Insurance card and ID – Ensures easy check-in and coverage verification.
- Immunization records – Updated vaccination history is often requested.
Having this information ready allows the provider to complete the evaluation efficiently and ensure your child meets all health and safety criteria before joining practices or competitions.
What Happens in a Physical for Sports
Parents often ask, “What do you do in a physical for sports?” or “What happens in a physical for sports?” The exam covers both medical history and a detailed physical evaluation. These two parts together help determine whether your child can safely participate in athletic activities.
Medical History Review
Your provider will review your child’s family and personal health history to identify any risk factors. This includes:
- Heart conditions, fainting, or chest pain with exercise
- Breathing problems such as asthma
- Previous concussions or head injuries
- Joint or muscle injuries
- Use of medications or supplements
This step is essential for understanding your child’s overall health and identifying potential issues that could affect their performance or safety.
Physical Examination
The physical exam includes:
- Checking height, weight, and vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse
- Listening to the heart and lungs for rhythm or breathing irregularities
- Testing vision and flexibility
- Evaluating muscles, joints, and posture for strength, balance, and coordination
This evaluation gives providers a complete view of your child’s fitness level and readiness for sports participation.
Discussing Health Concerns with the Provider
A sports physical isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s health and wellness goals. Before the appointment, talk with your child about how they feel during practices or games. Encourage them to share concerns such as:
- Fatigue or shortness of breath
- Persistent joint or muscle pain
- Dizziness, headaches, or fainting during activity
- Anxiety or stress related to competition
At Prestige Medical Group, our providers create a supportive space where young athletes can ask questions and express concerns without judgment. If an issue is detected, we can recommend specialized care such as physical therapy, asthma management, or minor injury treatment, services available across our North Georgia clinics.
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable During the Exam
For many kids, medical visits can cause anxiety. Helping your child feel at ease can make their sports physical a positive experience.
Simple ways to prepare:
- Explain what will happen during the appointment using clear, reassuring language.
- Let them know the exam is quick, safe, and helps them stay healthy for sports.
- Encourage honesty, remind them it’s okay to tell the doctor if something hurts or feels uncomfortable.
- Bring a familiar item, like a small toy or book, for younger children.
- Schedule the exam at a time when your child is well-rested and calm.
Our pediatric specialists at Prestige Pediatrics understand how to connect with children of all ages, offering gentle care that builds trust and confidence.
Why Scheduling Ahead of the Sports Season Matters
Scheduling your child’s sports physical near me at least six weeks before the season begins ensures there’s time for follow-ups if necessary. Early scheduling:
- Prevents last-minute delays with school paperwork.
- Allows for additional tests or referrals if an issue is identified.
- Helps your child start training safely and on time.
- Provides peace of mind knowing their health is cleared for the season.
Sports physicals are typically valid for one year, but you should schedule a new one sooner if your child experiences new symptoms, injuries, or health changes during the year.
What to Expect During and After the Appointment
During the visit, the provider will review your child’s medical history, complete the physical exam, and sign any sports physical forms required by the school or league. If any concerns arise, they may order additional testing or refer your child for follow-up care.
After the appointment:
- You’ll receive a completed clearance form to submit to your child’s coach or school.
- If specific restrictions or recommendations are noted (like stretching exercises or injury prevention tips), follow them closely.
- Keep a copy of the form for your records, as it may be needed again during the school year.
Understanding Tennis Elbow in Young Athletes
While the sports physical focuses on overall readiness, it’s also an opportunity to discuss specific sports-related conditions, such as tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. Despite its name, this injury isn’t limited to tennis players. It can affect any athlete who repeatedly uses the forearm muscles, such as baseball players, swimmers, or even golfers.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons in the forearm are overloaded by repetitive motions, causing pain and inflammation around the outer elbow. In children and teens, it’s usually linked to overuse or improper technique during play.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Pain or tenderness on the outer elbow
- Weak grip or difficulty holding objects
- Stiffness or soreness that worsens with activity
- Mild swelling in severe cases
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment typically includes:
- Rest and activity modification to prevent further strain
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm
- Physical therapy for guided recovery
- In some cases, using elbow braces during play
To prevent tennis elbow, encourage your child to:
- Warm up properly before the activity
- Learn correct swing techniques
- Avoid overtraining or repetitive strain
- Cross-train with other sports to balance muscle use
At Prestige Medical Group, our pediatric and family care providers help families identify and manage overuse injuries early. Our minor injury care services and preventive care programs support young athletes as they recover and continue to play safely.
Preparing for Success: The Value of a Sports Physical
A well-prepared sports physical sets the foundation for a safe, confident, and successful athletic season. It’s not just about meeting school requirements; it’s about keeping your child healthy, strong, and motivated to pursue the sports they love. With proper preparation, open communication, and guidance from trusted healthcare providers, your child can enjoy every moment on the field or court with peace of mind. At Prestige Medical Group, we proudly serve families across Jasper, Canton, Roswell, and Rome, GA, providing comprehensive care through family medicine, pediatric care, preventive exams, and minor injury treatment.
To schedule your child’s sports physical, call (706) 692-9768 or book online at Prestige Medical Group. Together, we’ll help your young athlete stay healthy, active, and ready to shine this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do in a physical for sports?
Providers review your child’s medical history, check vital signs, and assess heart, lungs, joints, and muscles to ensure safe sports participation.
What happens in a physical for sports?
The exam includes a full health review and physical assessment, plus guidance on injury prevention and safe training.
How long does a sports physical take?
Most exams take 20–30 minutes, depending on the child’s health history and any additional testing.
When should I schedule my child’s sports physical?
At least 4–6 weeks before the sports season starts to allow time for follow-ups or additional care if needed.
Can I get a sports physical near me at urgent care?
Yes. Prestige Medical Group offers both scheduled and urgent care sports physicals for families across North Georgia.
