Sports physical season ramps up as students prepare to return to school

August 10, 2026 - Rachel Fulton | WILX News 10

Originally published by WILX on July 31, 2026

As families prepare for the new school year, doctors’ offices and urgent cares are getting busier with back-to-school appointments and sports physicals.

Medical providers say a physical is about more than getting a form signed. It can help identify potential health concerns and address injuries before student-athletes return to competition.

“It’s something that we comprehensively go through each medical aspect of the person and their heart, their vision, their family history, and make sure that there’s no risk factors involved,” said Jennifer Parent with 98Point6 Emergicenter.

Parent says addressing injuries early can also help prevent long-term problems.

Michael Straus with MSU Health Care Sports Medicine says the appointment is more like a health screening than a routine physical.

Timing is also important. Some sports practices can begin weeks before the first day of school.

“You have to have your physical done by the first day of practice,” Straus said. “You are not allowed to practice until the school has a copy of that physical form. Otherwise you cannot participate.”

The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires student-athletes to have a valid physical on file completed on or after April 15th of the previous school year to participate in the upcoming school year.

Families should check with their specific school or athletic department for deadlines for physical forms and participation requirements.