fortwaynepediatrics

Sports Physicals: Why Your Student Athlete Needs One

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:34:04 GMT

A sports physical, or pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is a mandatory medical assessment for students joining school sports. It ensures athletes can safely participate by identifying potential health risks, reviewing medical history, and meeting state athletic requirements for middle school and high school teams in Indiana and Ohio.

Why does my child need a sports physical?

If your child is planning to join a sports team in middle school or high school, the first step is often securing a sports physical. In the state of Indiana, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Ohio (OHSAA) require all student-athletes to have a completed physical form on file before they can step onto the court or field for practice. This isn't just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a critical safety measure designed to protect young athletes from preventable injuries and underlying health conditions.

The primary goal of the sports physical is to determine if it is safe for the student to participate in a specific sport. Competitive athletics place significant stress on the body, including the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and respiratory system. By conducting these exams, healthcare providers can identify any pre-existing conditions that might be aggravated by intense physical activity. For many families, this is the one time a year their child sees a medical professional, making it an essential touchpoint for overall health monitoring.

Beyond meeting the IHSAA or OHSAA requirements , these exams allow pediatricians to discuss nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention strategies tailored to the specific sport your child is entering. Whether they are playing football, soccer, or running track, understanding how their body responds to exertion is key to their success and longevity as an athlete.

Preventing Injuries Through Early Detection

One of the most important aspects of a sports physical is the early detection of issues that could lead to serious injury. During a sports physical , we look for red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed during daily life. For instance, an underlying heart murmur or an irregular heartbeat might not affect a student during a normal school day but could become dangerous during a high-endurance basketball game or cross-country meet.

Preventative care also extends to the musculoskeletal system. We assess joint flexibility, strength, and posture. If a student has a history of sprains or minor fractures, the physical is the perfect time to evaluate if those areas have healed correctly. If we find weaknesses, we can recommend strengthening exercises or physical therapy to prevent a more debilitating injury later in the season.

Common conditions we monitor include:

Exercise-induced asthma care needs
Previous concussion symptoms or recovery status
Spinal alignment and scoliosis
Joint instability in the knees or ankles
High blood pressure or cardiovascular irregularities

What happens during a sports physical exam?

The exam is divided into two main parts: the medical history review and the physical examination. During the physical portion, our providers at Fort Wayne Pediatrics perform a comprehensive head-to-toe check. We begin with the vitals, recording height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. These baseline numbers are crucial for tracking growth and detecting any cardiovascular strain.

We then move to a more specific clinical evaluation. This includes checking the heart for murmurs or irregular rhythms and listening to the lungs to ensure there are no signs of respiratory distress or undiagnosed asthma. We also perform a vision screen to ensure that the athlete can see the ball, their teammates, and the boundaries of play clearly. Coordination and reflex tests are also standard to ensure the nervous system is functioning optimally for the demands of their sport.

Finally, we examine the bones and joints. This is particularly important for high schoolers who are often going through significant growth spurts. Rapid growth can put tension on tendons and muscles, making them more susceptible to injury. By checking the strength and range of motion in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, spine, hips, knees, and ankles, we can provide a "clearance" that gives parents and coaches peace of mind.

The Vital Role of Medical History

While the physical exam is what most people think of, the medical history section is arguably the most important part of the entire process. Before your visit, you will be asked to fill out forms that detail your child’s health past and your family’s medical history. We look for patterns or specific incidents that might change how we evaluate the athlete.

Key questions often focus on:

Family history of sudden cardiac death or serious heart issues
Personal history of fainting or dizziness during exercise
Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
Allergies to medications, food, or environmental factors
Current medications or supplements the child is taking

Being honest and thorough in this section is vital. If a child has a family history of heart conditions, we may order further testing, such as an EKG, before clearing them for play. Our goal is never to stop a child from playing the sport they love, but rather to ensure they can do so without risking their life. For transferring patients, having your previous medical records can greatly speed up this process and ensure we have a complete picture of your child's health journey.

How is this different from a well-child checkup?

A common question parents ask is whether a sports physical is the same as a yearly well-child visit. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes. A sports physical is highly focused on athletic safety and the IHSAA/OHSAA requirements. It is a "targeted" exam designed specifically for the demands of competitive sports.

A well-child checkup, on the other from, is more comprehensive. It covers developmental milestones, emotional health, immunization updates, and long-term wellness planning. Ideally, your child should have a full well-child exam every year, which can often include the sports physical clearance. However, if you only need the sports physical to meet a deadline, we offer those as stand-alone visits to ensure your child doesn't miss out on their season.

At Fort Wayne Pediatrics, we believe in comprehensive care. Even during a quick sports physical, we take the time to check in on your child's mental well-being and school performance. Middle and high school years are a time of immense change and pressure, and sports can be a great outlet for stress—provided the child is healthy enough to participate.

When is the best time to get a sports physical?

Timing is everything when it comes to athletic clearances. The IHSAA and OHSAA requires physicals to be completed after April 1st to be valid for the following school year. For example, a physical completed in May 2026 would cover all sports for the 2026-2027 school year.

We highly recommend scheduling your appointments or visiting our walk-in clinic during the early summer months. Waiting until the week before practice starts can be risky, as our office becomes extremely busy during the late summer "back-to-school" rush. Additionally, if the exam reveals a need for further testing or a follow-up with a specialist, getting the exam done early gives you plenty of time to address those needs without delaying your child's ability to join their team.

Convenience and Care at Fort Wayne Pediatrics

We understand that life as a parent of a middle or high schooler is hectic. Balancing school, extracurriculars, and your own work schedule is a challenge. That is why we offer flexible options for sports physicals. We provide both scheduled appointments and walk-in services to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

For our current patients, we already have your medical history on file, making the process seamless. For families transferring to our practice, we welcome you to experience our informative and supportive approach to pediatric care. We work closely with parents to ensure that every question is answered and that the child feels comfortable throughout the examination process.

Can I get a walk-in physical as a new patient?

Yes! We are proud to offer sports physicals for both our existing patients and new patients transferring into our care. If you are new to Fort Wayne Pediatrics, our walk-in clinic is an excellent way to get your child’s physical completed quickly. While appointments are always available, we know that sometimes the sports season creeps up on you, and you need a solution fast.

When coming in as a new patient, please bring any available immunization records and a summary of your child’s medical history. This helps our providers give the most accurate assessment possible. We strive to make the transition to our practice as smooth as possible, providing the same high-quality, informative care to new families as we do to those who have been with us for years.

Required Forms and Documentation for Your Visit

To ensure your visit is as efficient as possible, please come prepared with the necessary documentation. Most schools in the Fort Wayne area use the standard IHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation form. You can usually find these on your school’s athletic website or through our sports physical forms page.

Before you arrive:

Download and print the latest IHSAA physical form.
Fill out the "History Form" and "Consent & Release Certificate" sections in advance.
Ensure a parent or legal guardian is present to sign the necessary documents.
Bring any corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) your child uses for sports.
Bring a list of any current medications.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Ensuring your student-athlete is healthy and ready for competition is our top priority at Fort Wayne Pediatrics. A sports physical is more than just a requirement; it’s a proactive step in safeguarding your child's health during some of their most active years. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or trying out for their first middle school team, we are here to support their journey with professional, informative medical care.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

Required for Play: All Indiana and Ohio middle and high school athletes must have a physical on file before practicing.
Injury Prevention: Exams help identify heart issues, respiratory needs, and musculoskeletal weaknesses early.
Flexible Options: We offer both walk-in and scheduled physicals for current and transferring patients.
Early is Best: Aim to get physicals done after April 1st and before the late-summer rush.
Preparation Matters: Fill out your medical history forms before arriving to speed up your visit.

Ready to get your student on the field? Contact us today or stop by our walk-in clinic to complete your child's sports physical! Call 260-490-7337 to schedule a sports physical for your child or to check-in for the walk-in.

For more information on sports physicals go to: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Sports-Physical-PPE.aspx

Summer Hours & Safety Tips

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:32:33 GMT

Stay Safe This Summer...

SUMMER HOURS:

Until October, the office is closed on SUNDAYS. The Office is open every Saturday 8am-11am (call for sick appointments, no walk-ins on the weekend)

Summer Safety Tips...

Summer is a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors, play, and explore. However, the season also brings new safety concerns. In our office, we've already noted a number of tick bites this year. Fortunately, most ticks in Indiana do not carry harmful diseases. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to check your children each time they come inside, and remember to do the same for yourself and your pets. With these days in the sun, do not forget the sunscreen! Be sure to reapply it every 3-4 hours, especially when swimming and sweating. Teach your children to recognize Poison Ivy—steer clear of shiny leaves grouped in threes, whether on trees or the ground. Additionally, always prioritize safety equipment; ensure your children wear helmets when riding bicycles or scooters. Our doctors want to ensure that your children stay safe this summer.

Bug Bites & Stings

Use DEET bug spray to kee p the bugs away. (do not use on under 2 months of age)
Avoid playing by stagnant water in the evenings
Calamine lotion or baking soda paste can be helpful for stings/bites.

Call if you see new redness around a bite 2 days later or it b ecomes larger than 1 inch

Ticks

Check kids (especially hair) when coming inside from outdoors (especially after playing by trees)
Most ticks are harmless, low risk of Lyme Disease in Indiana
Best way to remove with tweezers grasp and pull off tick close to the skin as possible, wash with soap/water, and apply antibiotic ointment
Call if you can't remove a tick, if you see red streaks/rash, a severe headache/fever 2 days to 2 weeks after contact with a tick

Sun safety

Use SPF 30 or higher with UVA/UVB protection and has Avobenzone
Lotion is better than spray
Reapply every 3-4 hours
Use Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide for sensitive areas
Avoid midday sun
Use sunglasses and hat coverings

Poison ivy

Avoid 3 leaves in a cluster
Rash looks red, swollen, and fluid-filled blisters
Wash skin if exposed greater than 10 minutes with soap/water
Rash appears 12-24 hours, and can last 3-4 weeks
Call office if you have rash on face, fever, or it looks infected
Any issues breathing go to the nearest Emergency Department

Dr. Lindsay Health Hero of the Month

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:02:26 GMT

We are so proud of Dr. Lindsay Ligler who was selected as Super Shot's Health Hero of the Month!

Super Shots shared:

“Dr. Ligler has built her practice at Fort Wayne

Pediatrics around the belief that vaccines are not just a

routine part of care, but a cornerstone of children’s

health. She and every provider in her office work

tirelessly to educate parents about the importance of

vaccination.”

From educational resources on our website and

YouTube channel to social media and local news

outreach, Dr. Ligler is passionate about helping families

access accurate, trusted vaccine information and

protecting the health of our community’s children.

Thank you, Dr. Ligler, for your dedication, leadership,

and compassion for the families we serve every day!

��

#FortWaynePediatrics #HealthHero #SuperShots

#VaccinesWork #Pediatrician #CommunityHealth

#FortWayne

Baby Gas

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:52:08 GMT

Baby Gas? What Helps?

Gassy babies are common—and can be tough on everyone. Simple things like burping, gentle tummy time, bicycle legs, and checking feeding techniques can help bring relief.

Looking for more support? Join us at our Kangaroo Klub Mama's Group—a great place to learn, ask questions, and connect with other moms. Our moms feeding support group.

Thursdays | 1:30–2:30 PM

Learn more tips here:

https://www.healthychildren.org/.../Breaking-Up-Gas.aspx

#FWPeds #NewParents #BabyTips #KangarooMamasKlub #InfantCare See less

Little Library

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:55:42 GMT

We now have our very own LITTLE LIBRARY in the office (located in the waiting room). Bring a book, take a book!

Please bring in any gently used books. We could use more books for the library.

Classes

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:53:29 GMT

Click here to Sign Up or Learn More

Breastfeeding Services

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:42:41 GMT

Walk-In Hours

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:45:12 GMT

Find Help in Your Area

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:53:35 GMT

Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs in your area.

Visit the Find Help web site and enter your zip code to find assistance in your area for:

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Visit FindHelp.org to get started!

Learn more about FindHelp .

Get The Latest COVID Information

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 18:44:32 GMT

Staying informed about COVID is essential for safeguarding your family's health and the well-being of our loved ones.

With the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, reliable information is our strongest ally in navigating these challenging circumstances.

That's why we're excited to remind you about the invaluable resources available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the leading national public health institute of the United States, the CDC continues to provide up-to-date guidance, research, and tools to help us combat COVID effectively.

What Can You Find on the CDC Website?

The CDC website serves as a comprehensive hub of information, offering a wealth of resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and communities. Here are just a few highlights of what you can discover:

COVID-19 Overview: Access the latest data and insights into the current state of the pandemic, including transmission rates, variants of concern, and vaccination progress.

Prevention and Safety Guidelines: Learn about best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including mask-wearing, hand hygiene, social distancing, and vaccination.

Vaccine Information: Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, including eligibility criteria, safety profiles, and frequently asked questions.

Resources for Specific Groups: Whether you're a parent, educator, business owner, or healthcare professional, find tailored resources to address your unique concerns and responsibilities.

Travel Guidance: Stay informed about travel recommendations, restrictions, and safety measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during your journeys.

Community Support and Resources: Access resources for coping with the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic, as well as guidance for supporting vulnerable populations.

How to Access CDC Resources:

Getting the latest COVID-19 resources from the CDC is easy and convenient. Simply visit their official website at www.cdc.gov , where you'll find a user-friendly section for COVID designed to help you quickly locate the information you need. You can also sign up for their email updates to receive timely notifications about new developments and resources.

Welcome To Our Practice News

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:40:24 GMT

Hello, parents, caregivers, and all those invested in the well-being of our little ones!

We are thrilled to provide Practice News on our website. We understand the unique joys and challenges that come with raising healthy, happy kids. Through our news section, we aim to provide valuable insights, practical tips, and advice to empower parents in making informed decisions about their children's health and well-being.

With years of experience in pediatric medicine and a dedication to promoting child wellness, we are here to guide you through every stage of your child's development.

Please check out our Resources section for more information or contact us with any questions!

Answering Service Phone Number

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Check In From Your Car!

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