Sports Physicals in Anchorage School District

What to know about sports physicals before your visit:

• Bring any required forms, including a completed health and immunization history.
• We need to know if your child has a history of any heart problem, heart condition, or an episode or event related to their heart. In that case, we will require documentation from the athlete’s primary care provider stating the condition has been evaluated and does not prevent participation in sports.
• A sports physical should not replace an annual wellness physical.

What to expect at your sports physical:

The doctor will review the medical history and immunizations and perform a simple physical exam to determine if you can safely participate in your chosen sport.

At the end of your visit, we will stamp any required medical forms and provide you with a summary, a receipt, and educational material.

If you like, the summary of your visit can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.

What are the benefits of sports physicals?

Sports physicals help ensure your child athlete can safely play in their chosen sport as required by the state, school, or sports organization.

A pre-participation physical helps protect your child from avoidable illness, injury, and possibly life-threatening situations.

As well as meeting the eligibility requirements, there are added benefits to having a sports physical before participation:

• Evaluating general health can help address potential health concerns proactively. Reviewing the medical history and immunization record and performing a routine physical exam can help avoid issues that may block participation in a chosen sport.
• Pre-existing and current conditions, such as allergies and injuries, must be evaluated. Injuries in youth sports can range from minor ankle sprains and repetitive motion strains to more severe conditions like concussion and heatstroke. Our screening will identify those potential health issues so they are not increased and cause unnecessary pain, injury, or re-injury.

How do you prepare for a sports physical?

Specific requirements can vary according to the particular sport’s organization. Your child’s sports physical examination can include:

• Basic physical exam to check the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen
• A basic vision check
• Check blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and rhythm.
• Height and weight measurement
• Evaluate flexibility, joints, posture, and strength.
• Review of the athlete and the family’s medical history
• Details regarding dietary supplements, medications, or prescriptions for your child

Parents are reminded to fill out the sections of all the necessary forms before the visit. Doing so will help to expedite the sports physical exam process.

Please collect the following medical information to bring to the examination:

• Relevant health and medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and existing medical conditions
• Primary care provider’s name and contact info

A sports physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.