A sports physical allows a physician to identify any conditions that might keep an athlete on the sidelines, or issues that might affect performance. Sports physicals are recommended for anyone taking part in club sports teams, interleague sports programs or even for those starting a new fitness regime.

Sports medicine is also important for young student athletes. While specific school requirements may differ, many do require a sports physical be administered before a child can participate in sports or sometimes even physical education classes. As per WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) policy, a student may not practice or participate in interscholastic athletics without written authorization that the child is medically-cleared to do so. During a sports physical examination, the healthcare provider will review the following:

• Family history
• Heart health
• Bone, joint and muscular evaluation
• Various other medical questions (e.g. past injuries, screening for asthma symptoms, experience with previous head injury, etc.)
• Overall health and how it relates to sport or activity

Family history is an important piece to the sports physical exam as many diseases and ailments can be genetic, such as cardiac issues (the most common cause of serious health events in sports). Often the only identifiable clue to a student's risk of cardiac disease is family history. Other genetic conditions that might be explored further could also include sickle cell disease, asthma and diabetes.

Per the WIAA guidelines, "a physical examination performed on April 1st or after is valid for the following two school years. An exam done before April 1st is only valid for the remainder of that school year and following school year. In the year when an exam is not required, an Alternate Year Athletic Permit card is required to be signed by a parent or guardian."

Primary Care Associates of Appleton would like to remind our patients to schedule your child's sports physical as soon as possible to ensure he or she will be able to participate at the start of the season. A general guideline is athletes should have their physical 6 weeks before the start of their sport; this recommendation usually provides enough opportunity to address an existing injury or improve conditioning prior to participation in the activity. Plus, calling early will ensure an appointment that is suitable and convenient to your schedule.

To schedule an appointment, call (920) 996-1060.

For more information about the WIAA guidelines and to access the required forms, please visit the WIAA website at www.wiaawi.org. We recommend completing the medical history form prior to the appointment.