The state of Oklahoma requires that all student-athletes have a physical performed by a medical professional prior to the start of the activity. While some plan to wait until the season, the physical is required for any summer camps or training that the athletes will participate in before the season begins. The intent is to ensure that the children or teenagers are physically fit to play and provide a documented baseline of their general health in the event that an injury occurs. The casualties of youth sports range from minor sprains or repetitive strains to more serious conditions such as concussion, heat stroke or exercise-induced asthma. In the medical field, the Sports Physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). OSSAA requires that children and teens, beginning in the seventh grade, have the PPE before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season here in Oklahoma.
The PPE is used to gather information about an athlete’s medical history, the potential use of drugs, alcohol, dietary supplements or other supplementation. It will also include a physical examination of the athlete. It is recommended that the exam is done about six to eight weeks before a new season begins in the event that any condition is diagnosed that would require treatment. The practitioners from Invictus Healthcare system will perform the physical exam for a discounted rate of $25 for the 2019-2020 athletic season. In addition, the Invictus specialists will open their schedules to athletes to provide treatment if a medical condition is diagnosed. In addition, Invictus practitioners are available to continue seeing student-athletes should any needs arise throughout the year.
