What Happens at a Sports Physical For a Teenage Girl?

A sports physical exam is also called preparticipation physical examination (PPE) or sports physical. This helps determine whether it is safe for a person to participate in a particular sport. Sports physical exam is mandatory in many states before a child or teen can participate in a new sport or start a new competitive season. Even in places where the exam is not required, doctors recommend getting a sports physical. A sports physical may be done by your doctor or at the school under a medical professional’s guidance. A sports physical exam performed by your doctor may be better because they know you and your health conditions better.

A sports physical helps assess whether your teenage girl can safely pursue the sport of her choice. The exam has two main components: medical history and physical examination. There may be slight variations in the way different providers perform a sports physical. Generally, during a teenage girl’s sports physical exam, the doctor

Takes a detailed medical history. This includes asking questions, such as

• Whether there is a history of any illnesses including diabetes, epilepsy, skin conditions, allergies or asthma.
• Whether she has any injuries, including fractures, sprains or head injuries.
• Whether there are any serious illnesses in the family members, such as deaths or serious health conditions related to sports or exercise.
• Whether she is on any medications or supplements.
• Menstrual history, such as any history of heavy bleeding or severe pain during periods.
• Whether there is a history of prior hospitalization or surgery.
• Any issues related to physical activity, such as dizziness, breathing trouble, chest pain or passing out during physical activities.
• Dietary history, such as following any fad diets, any appetite issues or concerns.
• Any history of significant weight gain or loss.
• If your daughter uses contact lenses, dental braces, orthotics or has piercings.

You and your daughter answer these questions to the best of your abilities.

Performs a medical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will assess whether your daughter is fit enough to play the sport. It includes

• Recording her height and weight.
• Measuring the vitals, particularly the blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate and temperature.
• Vision test, including the test for color vision.
• Checking her heart, lungs, abdomen, throat, ears and nose.
• Examining her skin for any allergies or infections.
• Checking her posture, joints, flexibility and strength.

A sports physical is necessary to ensure your daughter’s safety while pursuing a sport. If there is any health condition that may sabotage your teenage girl’s safety while playing a sport, your doctor may refer her to a specialist or recommend ways to deal with the health issue. For example, health conditions, such as epilepsy or asthma, may be exacerbated during certain physical activity. Having a prior checkup will help the doctor adjust the treatment and provide you with the necessary information if the acts up while your daughter is playing. If there is a history of injury, the doctor may recommend ways to recover from it before you begin the activities.

A sports physical must not be viewed as a hurdle between your child and the sport she wishes to play. It is rather the smartest way to ensure her health and safety while performing well in sports.