Sports Physicals
Before your student-athlete hits the field, court, or pool, most schools and leagues require a sports physical — also known as a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE). At Gilbert Center, we make it quick and convenient so your child is cleared and ready to compete.
A sports physical isn't just a formality. It's an important check to make sure your child is healthy enough for the demands of their sport and to catch any conditions that could put them at risk during activity.
What the Exam Includes
Your child's sports physical covers the key health areas most relevant to athletic activity:
Medical History Review
- Past injuries, surgeries, or hospitalizations
- Family history of heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest, or early heart disease
- History of fainting, dizziness, or chest pain during exercise
- Asthma, allergies, or exercise-induced breathing problems
- Concussion history or previous head injuries
Physical Examination
- Height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and vision check
- Heart and lung evaluation
- Musculoskeletal assessment — joints, flexibility, strength, and prior injury sites
- Abdominal and skin exam
What Happens After the Exam
Most students are cleared without restriction. If we identify something that needs follow-up — such as a heart murmur, elevated blood pressure, or a lingering injury — we'll let you know right away and help you understand next steps before clearance is given.
We provide a completed physical form for your school or league. Make sure to bring the required form with you to your appointment, as requirements vary by school and sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend scheduling at least 4 to 6 weeks before the season starts. This gives us time to follow up on anything that needs additional evaluation before your child is cleared. Waiting until the week before tryouts doesn't leave much room to address potential concerns.
Yes — bring the specific physical form required by your school or league, since requirements differ. Also bring a list of your child's current medications and any relevant medical records, such as documentation of a prior injury or chronic condition.
Not exactly. A sports physical focuses specifically on whether your child is safe to participate in athletic activity. It doesn't cover the full scope of an annual wellness visit — things like developmental screening, behavioral health, and comprehensive preventive care. We recommend keeping both on your calendar.
A temporary hold on clearance isn't the end of the road. We'll explain exactly what we found, what follow-up is needed, and what the path looks like to clearance. Our goal is to get your child competing safely, not to keep them sidelined.
Schedule Your Student-Athlete's Sports Physical
Call our office or book online.