If you are an athlete, then in most of the states of the USA, you will be asked for sports physicals. For athletes of all ages, a sports physical is their ticket to practice and compete. Even when you are fit and ready for action, a sports exam is important to ensure you’re healthy and safe – on and off the field, court, or mat.

A sports physical is a comprehensive exam that includes a physical examination and sometimes tests, including drug tests. The aim of these tests is to keep the sports fair and safe. However, students and young athletes often get frightened or confused about drug testing in sports.

Therefore, this post aims to answer their question, “What is drug testing in sports?” so that they can enjoy the sports and play confidently.

What is a physical?

A physical examination, medical examination, or clinical examination is the process by which a medical professional investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease.

What is a sport physical?

In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE). This exam helps determine whether it’s safe for each individual to participate in certain sports. Most states require that children have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a sports physical isn’t required, clinicians still highly recommend getting one.

The two main parts of sports physical are:

1. Medical history

Medical history is the most important part of the physical exam; please take your time to answer the questions carefully. The medical history questions are usually on a form that you can obtain from the school. Answer the questions truly as much as you can and try not to guess the answers or give answers you think your provider wants.

It includes questions about:

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Medical problems and illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, COVID-19, epilepsy, or sickle cell trait
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies
• Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or broken bones)
• Whether the child has ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Medicines (including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and prescription medicines)
• Mental and emotional well-being.
• Menstruation cycle and any history of urinary or genital problems.

2. Physical examination

During the physical part of the exam, the provider will usually:

• Record your height and weight
• Check vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate.
• Check your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Evaluate your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
• Test vision and hearing.
• Feel your abdomen to see if anything hurts or to feel if anything unusual is going on.
• Check the skin for any signs of abnormalities.
• Ask you if you’re experiencing any testicle pain
• The provider will also ask questions about the use of drugs, alcohol, steroids,, or other “performance enhancers” and weight-loss supplements because these can affect a person’s health. 

At the end of your exam, the provider will either fill out and sign a form if the exam is negative for any discrepancies or, in some cases, recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems.

Do they conduct drug testing in sports physicals? 

While they might not directly conduct drug testing in sports physicals, your provider will likely ask you questions about your use of drugs, alcohol, and/or supplements, as mentioned above.

Sometimes you can asked to do a urine test, but this test is not performed to look for drugs. Instead, urinalysis is used to test your sugar levels and check for creating in your body. For females, a urine test can be used to check for pregnancy as well. There may be several other things that a provider will look for using the urine test, but they will not look for drugs.

In the rare instance that a drug test will be performed during your sports physical, you will be notified before your exam. It is illegal to test anyone for drugs without their consent or knowledge. However, with minors, the parents must provide consent. It is also illegal for healthcare providers to discuss the results of a drug test with any other person. Confidentiality between the doctor and patient is essential.

Most schools discourage drug testing in sports physicals, and only a few public high schools require a drug test as part of a physical exam where they will only be testing for illegal drugs, not prescriptions. Usually, if a drug test is ordered during a physical, it is for a physical you have because of your job, not for playing sports. But even then, you are told beforehand that you will be tested for drugs.

Why is a sports physical important?

A sports physical can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your participation in a sport. For example, if you have frequent asthma attacks but are starting forward in soccer, a doctor might prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that you can breathe more easily when you run.

Your doctor may even have some good training tips and be able to give you some ideas for avoiding injuries. For example, he or she may recommend certain stretching or strengthening activities, that help prevent injuries. A doctor also can identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports. Advice like this will make you a better, stronger athlete.

Last words

Most schools arrange sports physicals, but if it is on you, always look for a certified medical examiner for sports physicals and prioritize those who value both fairness and athlete well-being.

FAQs

1. Is a sports physical the same as a regular physical?

No. A sports physical focuses on evaluating a student athlete’s health as it relates to the sport or sports they play. A regular physical with your primary care provider still is important and more comprehensive than a sports physical.

2. What happens if you don’t get the okay from your doctor?

The goal of the sports physical is to make sure you’re safe while playing sports, not to stop you from playing. Rarely, the doctor may find that an athlete can’t play their sport. That doesn’t mean you can’t play any sports, though. For example, if you have had a lot of concussions, you might not be able to play football but you could play another sport, like tennis.

3. Do I need to have a sport physical before every match?

Sports physicals are usually good for 1 year, though you probably will have to complete a sports form each season. If there are any changes in your health history, like a new injury or you notice new symptoms (such as chest pain or shortness of breath), you may need to see the doctor before being allowed to play.