Sports physical (also known as preparticipation physical evaluations, PPE, or sports screenings) is required of the majority of middle school, high school, and college athletes in Colorado prior to their participation in a sport. Sports physical help determine whether an athlete is healthy for training and competition.

The sports physical evaluation, which includes a robust health history as well as a comprehensive physical exam, typically takes 30 minutes. Unique to Fossil Creek Chiropractic is our personalized approach to sports physicals and preparticipation physical evaluations. We schedule private sports physicals with each young athlete, meeting with each athlete one-on-one to talk about health history, health concerns, training concerns, athletic goals, and risk of injury.

We stress the importance of nutrition as a key to athletic training and work with young athletes to help them eat healthy and prepare for competition. We also recommend measures to avoid over-training injuries. At Fossil Creek Chiropractic, we enjoy helping middle school athletes, high school athletes, and college athletes reach their full athletic potential.

During a sports physical, several components are typically addressed to evaluate an individual’s readiness and suitability for participating in sports. Here are some common elements that are often included:

· Medical History: we will review the individual’s medical history, including past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family medical history. This information helps identify any potential risk factors or underlying conditions that may affect sports participation.

· Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted, which may include the following:

· Vital Signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature measurements are taken to assess overall health and detect any abnormalities.

· Height and Weight: These measurements help evaluate growth patterns and determine body mass index (BMI).

· Vision and Hearing: Basic vision and hearing tests are often performed to ensure adequate sensory function.

· Cardiovascular Assessment: we will listen to the heart and lungs, check for any abnormalities or irregularities, and assess cardiovascular fitness.

· Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Joints, muscles, and overall musculoskeletal health are examined for strength, flexibility, range of motion, and signs of injury or abnormalities.

· Neurological Assessment: Basic neurological tests, such as reflexes and coordination, may be conducted to evaluate the individual’s nervous system function.

· Health Counseling and Education: we may discuss important health topics relevant to sports participation. This can include injury prevention, proper nutrition and hydration, appropriate warm-up and stretching techniques, the importance of rest and recovery, and the recognition of warning signs for potential health issues.

Based on the assessment, we will determine whether the individual is cleared to participate in sports without restrictions or if there are any specific recommendations or precautions. We may also provide advice on modifications necessary for safe participation, the nutrition to support optimal health performance.