The healthcare providers at Ironwood Family Practice offer sports physicals and camp physicals that meet the requirements of schools and recreation facilities throughout North Idaho. We’ll evaluate your child’s health and fitness, complete any required forms, and answer all your questions. Together, we’ll prepare your child for a healthy and fun experience.
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Ironwood Family Practice provides personalized healthcare to patients of all ages. Our approach involves educating and empowering our patients to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.
Where to get a sports physical in Coeur d’Alene
Young athletes in North Idaho and their families turn to Ironwood Family Practice for sports and camp physicals. The ideal time to schedule a sports physical with us is at least six weeks before the start of your child’s sports season or the beginning of their camp session. We will do our best to find an appointment that fits your busy schedule.
What are the physical requirements for school sports in Idaho?
The Idaho High School Activities Association requires a history and physical examination, also called a sports physical or a pre-participation physical exam, prior to a child’s first ninth and 11th grade practice. These requirements are followed by local public schools, including Coeur d’Alene High School, and private schools. In addition, middle schools, intramural sports teams and individual camps may have their own rules that parents and campers must follow. Typically, kids need a physical exam prior to every sports season or before the first day of camp.
Booking a sports physical at Ironwood Family Practice? Download and complete this form before your appointment. This step will save you time at check-in and give you more time to talk with our providers.
What happens during a sports or camp physical?
A camp or sports physical is different from an annual physical exam. During sports physicals, a healthcare provider will focus on a child’s ability to participate in the sports or activities they will engage in while on the field or away at camp. Providers will also offer injury prevention and other safety tips.
Typically, a sports or camp physical will take 30-40 minutes to complete, during which a provider will:
- Check vital signs and basics like height, weight, body mass index and blood pressure.
- Evaluate past medical records to identify any past illnesses, injuries or procedures, seeking to identify potential problems and prevent future complications.
- Perform a physical exam to evaluate a child’s overall health and spot any issues that could affect their ability to participate in sports or activities. Providers will typically check a child’s heartbeat and breathing patterns along with their vision and hearing.
- Assess kids’ and teens’ fitness levels, including performing an examination of their joints, flexibility and mobility.
If your provider finds a medical concern during a sports or camp physical, they will explain it in detail and explore potential strategies to help you and your child manage their health. For example, children with chronic conditions like exercise-induced asthma may be able to compete safely by using certain medications and/or an inhaler. Your provider will make the best recommendations based on your child’s or teen’s overall health status.
After the exam, the provider will note any medical issues or treatment needs on the exam form given to you by your school or camp. They will then sign the form so you can return it in time for your child to begin their chosen activity.
How to prepare for a sports or camp physical
At Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene, we view sports and camp physicals as an opportunity to learn more about your children and your family. These appointments are an ideal time to ask us about any questions you have regarding nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, mental health topics or other factors that are influencing your child’s well-being.
With a little pre-appointment preparation, you can make the most of your visit with us and leave feeling empowered to help your child or teen lead a healthier life. A few tips to prepare:
- Develop a list of questions that you want to ask your provider. Include any questions you might have about diet, exercise or other lifestyle factors.
- Jot down details about your child’s current medical conditions, including chronic illnesses, allergies or recent injuries or illnesses.
- Bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements that your child or teen uses regularly.
- Inform us of any changes to your child’s or teen’s health, such as sudden weight loss or gain.
- Let us know any details about your child’s sport or camp that you think will be helpful.
- Offer insight into your family’s health history, such as if a child’s sibling or parent has a long-term health condition.
- Update your emergency contact information.
Sports and camp physicals are also a perfect time to get your child up-to-date on vaccines or immunizations they may need. Review the vaccination schedule with your provider and ask us for any recommendations on ways to help avoid preventable illnesses like the flu or tetanus.
What questions should I ask the doctor during a sports or camp physical?
If your child has never had a sports or camp physical before, you may wonder what to ask during the appointment. A few questions we hear often from parents at Ironwood Family Practice:
- What protective gear should my child wear to prevent injury?
- Are there warmup or stretching exercises my teen should consider prior to participating in their sport?
- What types of diets can help improve my child’s athletic performance?
- How much exercise should my child get in addition to the activity they will perform on the field or at camp?
- What helpful hints and tips can you offer to help my child stay injury-free?
Why choose Ironwood Family Practice for sports and camp physicals?
At Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene, we provide efficient, convenient sports and camp physicals for children and teens of all ages. From little leaguers and dance school students to varsity soccer players and expert swimmers, we help kids perform at their best, as safely as possible. Here, you’ll find:
An entire team cheering on your child. Our team-based approach is designed to make you and your child comfortable as they receive expert guidance from providers they already know and trust.
A focus on education. Our providers believe teaching is an important aspect of health and well-being. We will keep you and your child well-informed about their health so they can get the most from their sports or summer camp experience.
Expert management of health conditions. As specialists in family medicine, our providers routinely help children and teens manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sports physical and a regular checkup?
A sports physical is focused specifically on getting your child ready to perform activities on the field or at camp. It is not a replacement for a regular well-child visit (annual wellness exam), which is a more comprehensive evaluation of a child’s or teen’s health. Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene provides sports physicals, camp physicals and annual wellness exams.
How often do children need a sports physical or a camp physical?
Children who want to participate in high school sports are required to complete a pre-participation physical exam prior to their first ninth or 11th grade practice per the Idaho High School Activities Association. Additionally, most little league, intramural and middle school teams require sports physicals prior to the start of every spring, fall, winter, or summer sports season. Most camps will also ask kids to receive a pre-participation physical before they may participate.
How far in advance do I need to schedule a sports or camp physical?
As a general rule, sports or camp physicals should take place at least six weeks prior to the first practice or the first day of camp. Check with your child’s middle school, high school, sports team, or camp director for specific details. If you need a sports or camp physical for your child or teen, call Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene at 208-667-4557 to make an appointment.