Sports physicals tend to sneak up on families right before a season starts, and forms often end up due sooner than expected. Here is what parents should know to get this handled without the last minute scramble.
What a Sports Physical Actually Covers
A sports physical, sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam, checks that your child is healthy enough to safely participate in a given sport. This typically includes a review of personal and family medical history, a check of heart and lung function, vision screening, joint and muscle assessment, and a discussion of any prior injuries or ongoing conditions that could affect participation.
Timing It Right
Most school and league forms require a physical within a certain window before the season begins, often within the prior twelve months, but always double check your specific form for exact requirements. Scheduling a few weeks ahead of the season gives enough buffer in case any follow up is needed, rather than trying to get everything done and signed the week before tryouts.
What to Bring
Bring the specific physical form required by your child’s school or league, since these can vary in format. It also helps to bring a list of any current medications, known allergies, and a brief history of any prior injuries, surgeries, or ongoing medical conditions, so the visit can move efficiently.
For high school athletes in the Valley, that is usually the VHSL physical form, whether your child plays at Sherando, James Wood, Millbrook, Handley, Clarke County, or Warren County.
Combining It With a Wellness Visit
If your child is due for an annual wellness visit around the same time, it often makes sense to combine the two so you are not scheduling separate appointments. As a DPC member, sports physicals are included as part of your membership at no additional cost, and with unhurried visit times, there is room to address any other questions you have at the same time.
If physicals turn into a last minute scramble for your family every year, here is how membership changes that.
If your child plays in Winchester, Stephens City, or anywhere in Frederick County and the season is coming up, it is worth getting this scheduled now rather than waiting until the form is due. If you are in this area and have questions about how membership works, schedule a free Meet and Greet to learn more.
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