Freeman partners with schools to offer free sports physicals   

JOPLIN, Mo. – School sports provide exercise and lessons in teamwork for students, but it is important that they are physically ready to play. Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Program is hosting free pre-participation physicals for incoming 7th – 12th grade students.

The physicals will be held on four nights and are offered to schools who partner with Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Program.

“Having a sports physical before sports begin offers some big benefits to athletes,” said Dr. Robert Lieurance, Freeman Orthopaedic Surgeon. “A pre-participation physical can identify any health issues in the athlete – or any possible health issues in their family – that could put the athlete at risk during physical activity. These include cardiac problems, which could present as chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting during exercise.”

The sports physicals include a check of family medical history, which includes prior concussions and other injuries. A student’s height, weight, pulse, blood pressure and vision are also tested. Several doctors are present at each session where screenings will check ears, nose and throat; heart; lungs and the abdomen.

Orthopedic screenings include a check of the musculo-skeletal system, looking at the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders to examine how they move and if there are underlying conditions that can put a student athlete at risk.

“Having a record of a physical exam early in the season offers the benefit of knowing whether the athlete had a previous injury or surgery, and how that changed or worsened with a recurrent injury,” said Dr. Lieurance.

Sports physical events are scheduled at host locations with individual time slots for schools.