Sports Physicals

What Does Getting a Sports Physical Mean?

Sports physicals differ from standard well-child checkups, as their primary purpose is to ensure your child can safely engage in sports without jeopardizing their health. These examinations:


  • Confirm your child's readiness for intense physical activities
  • Collect information regarding your child's health and development
  • Monitor for potential indicators of serious illnesses
  • Fulfill the requirements set by your child's school, camp, or sports team
  • Identify possible risk factors associated with specific sports
  • Provide guidance on injury prevention.

Is your child going to be this year’s MVP?

Before hitting the field, they will need a sports physical.  Who does sports physicals in Livingston, Texas?  Dr. Brawner can do sports physicals.   


Sports physicals are also referred to as pre-participation physical examinations (PPE) by members in the medical field.  A PPE is a physical examination for anyone participating in sports to determine the presence of any possible problems that would make it unsafe for them to play the sport.  If your child is a seasoned sports player, you know the drill, but if it is their first sports season, it is especially important to have a PPE and see your healthcare physician.   


A sports physical does not replace an annual physical.  The sports physical only focuses on any health history that could impact the child’s ability to participate in sports.  Although the PPE covers a lot of what an annual check-up would, it is in addition to, not in place of an annual check-up.   

The first step is to fill out a thorough health history form for your child.  It will cover your family health history, as well as their personal health history.  The family history is very important because certain conditions run in families. Dr. Brawner will pay particular attention to the family history to help in determining if further testing is needed to rule out future potential problems.   


It is also important to list any previous or current health conditions on the health history form, including surgeries or hospitalizations in the past, previous injuries (concussions, broken bones, or even sprains), asthma, or previous problems with dizziness or passing out while exercising.   


Before the new sports season starts, call us at 281-592-6000 to set up a sports physical for your little MVP. 

Sports Physical FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions on sports physicals.

  • What is a sports physical?

    The primary goal of a sports physical is to ensure safe participation in sports. Jumping into high-intensity workouts and competitive sports without proper preparation can exacerbate existing issues or lead to preventable injuries. These exams help identify potential problems early on.


    While a sports physical might occasionally uncover issues that restrict participation, it generally informs decision-making. The exam often identifies treatable problems before your child begins a sport and highlights whether extra training is needed to ensure safe participation.

  • Why is a child’s medical history important?

    Children and parents use a medical history form to provide information about:


    • Chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
    • Hospitalizations or surgeries
    • Past injuries such as concussions, sprains, or fractures
    • Problems with dizziness, chest pain, or breathing during exercise
    • Medications and supplements
    • Allergies
    • Family history of serious illnesses

    A complete medical history helps your doctor determine if your child has a condition that sports activities might aggravate.

  • How is a sports physical exam different from an annual checkup?

    A sport physical has a different focus than a wellness exam. During this exam, your pediatrician will evaluate your child’s musculoskeletal health, assessing bones, muscles, and joints for flexibility, strength, and signs of overuse injuries or stress.


    The doctor will carefully examine concerns that could be aggravated during sports activities, such as previous fractures, sprains, concussions, skin infections, a past history of pain or dizziness, and chronic health conditions. An existing condition doesn’t always prevent a child from playing sports, but it may mean that they need help to accommodate their activity.


    If your child has asthma, for example, they may need a different inhaler or need to learn to use their inhaler shortly before they start their warmups to prevent an exercise-induced asthma attack.