What Is a Sports Physical?

Also known as a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE), a sports physical exam evaluates whether a student-athlete is healthy enough to safely engage in physical activity. It is required by most schools and athletic leagues in Texas before participation in sports.

A typical sports physical includes:

• Medical History Review
• Heart and Lung Exam
• Height, Weight, and Vital Signs
• Musculoskeletal Assessment (joints, spine, posture, flexibility)
• Vision Screening
• Review of Medications and Allergies
• Discussion of Past Injuries or Surgeries
• Mental Health Screening (when appropriate)

“When I perform a sports physical, I don’t just check boxes. I listen. I look for patterns—prior concussions, asthma flares, overuse injuries. These conversations can be lifesaving.”
– Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

1. Detect Hidden Medical Risks

Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or exercise-induced asthma may only show up during intense activity. A 2022 study in Pediatrics confirmed that screening exams detect 1 in 100 athletes with previously undiagnosed cardiovascular or orthopedic issues.

2. Prevent Sports Injuries

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, prior injury is one of the strongest predictors of future injury. A good sports physical helps flag instability, limited mobility, or muscle imbalances—so we can recommend preventive steps.

3. Protect Mental Health

We increasingly screen for performance anxiety, eating disorders, and emotional stress. Mental health affects athletic performance and safety, especially in teens under pressure.

“I’ve had athletes come in with vague complaints—fatigue, mood swings—and it turned out to be overtraining, or early depression. We treat the whole athlete, not just the body.”
– Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we see:

• A high volume of year-round student-athletes due to club sports, AAU leagues, and school sports.
• Early sports specialization, increasing risk for overuse injuries in middle schoolers.
• Rising rates of childhood obesity, making cardiovascular screening even more important.
• Asthma prevalence in urban areas like Lewisville is higher than the national average, per Texas DSHS 2023 report.

That’s why our sports physicals are tailored to the specific needs of young athletes in our community.

In my practice, I’ve encountered scenarios such as:

• A high school football player with an undiagnosed heart murmur—we referred him for an EKG, revealing mild valve thickening that needed monitoring.
• A middle school girl reporting “knee popping” only during volleyball—we discovered early patellofemoral syndrome and advised bracing and PT.
• A 12-year-old boy with no known asthma but who struggled with sprinting—we conducted spirometry and diagnosed exercise-induced bronchospasm.

In all cases, the sports physical helped catch issues early, keeping these athletes safe and in the game.

Sources: AAFP 2023 Sports Medicine Guidelines, PPE Monograph 5th Ed.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Myth 1: “They just sign a form without examining the kid.”
➡ At Health Express Clinics, we perform comprehensive, guideline-based exams. We don’t cut corners.

Myth 2: “If my child has asthma, they’ll be disqualified.”
➡ Not true. Asthma doesn’t prevent participation when properly managed. We create an action plan, recommend inhalers, and educate on flare prevention.

Myth 3: “You only need a physical once in high school.”
➡ Per UIL and NCAA, physicals must be done annually. Health can change significantly in 12 months.

When to Seek Emergency Care or a Specialist

If a child or teen experiences:

• Chest pain or fainting during exercise
• Severe joint instability or swelling
• Shortness of breath not relieved by rest
• Unusual fatigue or recovery time
• Recurring concussions

➡ These are not cleared in a standard sports physical. We refer appropriately for urgent or specialty evaluation.

Limitations of Current Guidelines

While sports physicals are an excellent screening tool, they aren’t foolproof.

• EKG screening is not routinely recommended unless there are symptoms or family history (per AAP).
• Some conditions, like cardiac arrhythmias, may not show up during an exam.
• Mental health concerns may require deeper assessments beyond a screening questionnaire.

“The sports physical is a gateway—it won’t catch everything, but it opens the door to timely care when done right.”
– Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

Why Choose Health Express Clinics?

✅ Same-day appointments available
✅ Flat-fee pricing—no surprise bills
✅ Multilingual staff to support diverse communities
✅ Convenient locations in Lewisville, Carrollton, and Denton
✅ Trusted by hundreds of DFW families, coaches, and schools