HealthZone MD · Family & Sports Medicine · Katy, TX

The Katy Parent’s Guide to Sports & School Physicals

Everything you need to get your athlete cleared and ready — without the last-minute scramble.

Every year, thousands of Katy-area students need a physical before they can play a sport, start school, or head to camp. A rushed, incomplete visit can mean a second trip, a missed tryout, or a health concern that goes unnoticed. This short guide walks you through exactly what to expect.

What a sports & school physical checks

A pre-participation exam (“PPE”) is more than height and weight — its purpose is to make sure it’s safe for your child to be active. It typically covers:

• Heart & lungs — murmurs, rhythm, breathing that exercise can unmask
• Blood pressure, height, weight, and vision
• Joints, muscles & flexibility — old injuries and re-injury risk
• Personal & family history — especially heart problems or sudden death
• Growth, development, and a private talk about nutrition and sleep

What to bring (so you’re done in one trip)

• Your school, league, or camp’s physical form
• A list of current medications and supplements
• Any glasses your child normally wears
• Notes on past injuries or surgeries (especially concussions)
• Insurance card — or ask about cash-pay pricing

Red flags every parent & coach should know

When to schedule (beat the pre-season rush)

Physicals are usually valid for one year, so don’t wait until tryout week. Aim for 4–6 weeks before the season; summer is calmest for fall sports. Early scheduling leaves time for a recheck without missing playing time.

Concussion baseline testing

For contact sports, a baseline concussion test measures your athlete’s normal memory, reaction time, and balance while healthy — so if a head injury happens later, return-to-play decisions are safer and more objective. Quick, painless, and valuable for football, soccer, basketball, cheer, and hockey.