Book Your Back-to-School Sports Physicals Now

Regular physicals and well-child visits play an important role in keeping your child’s development on track. If you have a young athlete, add sports physicals to the list of key doctor visits. 

Usually a simpler version of an annual physical, a sports physical compares your child’s health with the demands of their chosen sports to pinpoint any potential health risks or developmental issues that might negatively affect any aspect of their wellness. 

Our team of physicians at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, specializes in school and sports physicals that are age and activity appropriate. It’s a simple and quick way to ensure your child’s body is ready for the demands of the games they play. 

Regular sports physicals can also help to spot movement issues before they become major health problems. With school in the swing again, it’s time to book your back-to-school sports physicals now. 

The preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE)

PPE is a common acronym used to describe a sports physical. Most schools, leagues, associations, coaches, and managers require current PPE certification before a child starts to train and play as an assurance from a medical professional that participating in a sport won’t be harmful to your child. 

If your child is already a patient with us, great! We know them and their history — valuable knowledge and insight that informs an accurate assessment of your child’s health. Primary care physicians can also provide PPE evaluations, but if you feel your young athlete might benefit from specialized pediatric care, don’t hesitate to contact us.

What to expect from a PPE

The routine during a sports physical is similar to many other physicals. Typically, it starts with the taking of vital signs, including height, weight, and blood pressure. 

A review of medical history follows. This will be detailed if your child is a first-time patient with us. For our returning patients, we’ll focus on the time since their last visit. 

The physical portion of your child’s exam focuses on parts of their body and systems that may be taxed while playing a sport. As well as typical eye, ear, nose, and throat checks, we’ll check their heart, lungs, bones, and joints. 

We’ll even assess your child’s mindset about sports participation. Peer pressure being what it is, some children feel forced into sports that may not be their first choice because of the demands of their friends. 

A PPE is also a good time for education about the dangers of concussions and head injuries. Teen athletes may have concerns about playing sports and their developing bodies. This is an excellent time to ask questions. If needed, we can update your child’s immunization status. 

The first step is booking an appointment ahead of your child’s sports season. Contact our office by phone or online to set up a time. Here’s hoping for a successful season for your junior athlete. Schedule their PPE today.