Can Chiropractors Do Sports Physicals?
If your child is getting ready for a new sports season, chances are you’ve been told a sports physical is required before they can step onto the field or court. Many parents immediately think of pediatricians or urgent care clinics, but a common question comes up more and more often: Can chiropractors do sports physicals?
To answer your question: yes, often they can. But take note that this depends on state regulations and school or league policies.
In this article, we’ll explain what sports physicals involve, when chiropractors are allowed to perform them, and why choosing a chiropractic clinic can be a smart option for student-athletes.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical, also known as a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE), is a health evaluation designed to determine whether an athlete is physically safe to participate in sports. Schools, youth leagues, and athletic organizations require these exams to reduce the risk of injury and identify potential health concerns before competition begins.
Unlike a full medical exam, a PPE is meant to focus on athletic participation risk. The PPE 5th Edition (often referred to as “PPE5”) is a widely recognized framework for structuring these evaluations and determining their scope for young athletes (middle school through college).
Can Chiropractors Perform Sports Physicals?
Yes, chiropractors can perform sports physicals in many states. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare providers with extensive training in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. These are two of the most important components of athletic performance and injury prevention.
That said, whether a chiropractor can complete and sign a sports physical depends on:
State scope-of-practice laws
School or league requirements
The athlete’s medical history and the type of clearance needed
Even in places where state law permits chiropractors to do sports physicals, the final decision is often made by the school district, state high school athletic association, or youth league.
What’s Included in a Chiropractor-Performed Sports Physical?
A chiropractic sports physical is often more movement-focused and detailed than those done in a rushed urgent care setting. Many chiropractors emphasize orthopedic and functional readiness, which aligns with common goals of a PPE: identifying issues that may predispose an athlete to injury or risk.
Medical History Review
A solid sports physical starts with history because past injuries and symptoms can predict future risk. The PPE framework emphasizes the importance of a thorough medical history review as part of safe clearance decisions.
Sports chiropractors commonly review:
Past injuries (sprains, fractures, strains)
History of concussions or head injuries
Surgeries
Current pain, recurring symptoms, or limitations
Posture and Spinal Assessment
Posture and spinal mobility can influence mechanics, balance, and the way force travels through the body during sports. Chiropractors are trained to assess spinal and postural issues and connect them to movement and injury risk.
Musculoskeletal Evaluation
This includes checking:
Joint range of motion (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles)
Muscle strength and flexibility
Stability testing where appropriate
These checks support the PPE’s goal of detecting conditions that could predispose an athlete to injury or interfere with safe participation.
Neurological Screening
Basic neurological screening (reflexes, coordination, balance) is commonly included in PPE discussions and helps flag issues that may require additional medical evaluation.
Functional Movement Testing
Athletes may be asked to squat, lunge, balance, or perform sport-relevant movement screens. These tests can highlight asymmetries, stability problems, or mobility limitations that might not show up in a seated exam.
Benefits of Getting a Sports Physical From a Chiropractor
If your school or league accepts a chiropractor’s signature, there are several benefits that can make chiropractic sports physicals a great fit for student-athletes.
Strong Focus on Injury Prevention
High school sports participation is demanding, and prevention matters. PPE discussions in sports medicine emphasize screening for conditions that could predispose athletes to injury or harm.
A movement-centered chiropractic exam can be especially helpful for identifying mechanical risk factors early.
Sports-Specific Perspective
Chiropractors who work with athletes often understand repetitive stress, impact forces, and common sport-specific patterns (like throwing mechanics, jumping/landing patterns, or sprinting load). That context can make recommendations feel more practical and relevant for the season ahead.
More Time and Personal Attention
Many families prefer a setting where the athlete isn’t rushed through a checklist. A thorough exam also gives parents and athletes time to ask questions about training, injury history, soreness, and prevention strategies.
Continuity of Care
One of the biggest advantages: if a chiropractor identifies something that could become an issue later, the athlete can often get follow-up care, rehab recommendations, and ongoing support in the same place.
Are Chiropractor Sports Physicals Accepted by Schools?
In many cases, yes, as long as the chiropractor in Charleston is licensed, state law allows it, and the school/league accepts it.
But keep in mind that local policies can vary. To reduce the chance of a rejected form:
Use the school’s official PPE form (or their required physical form)
Ask the athletic office which provider types are accepted
Confirm the chiropractor’s credentials are listed appropriately on the form
Conclusion
So, can chiropractors do sports physicals? Yes. Chiropractors can provide a thorough, movement-focused evaluation that supports the goals of a sports PPE to help identify injury risks and improve readiness for safe participation.
If you want a sports physical that goes beyond the basics, Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness is here to help. Reach out to schedule your athlete’s sports physical and start the season with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sports chiropractor and a chiropractor?
A sports chiropractor has additional training and experience working specifically with athletes and sports-related injuries. They focus more on movement mechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimization. A general chiropractor typically treats a broader range of everyday musculoskeletal conditions.
Is it better to go to PT or a chiropractor?
It depends on the issue. Physical therapy is often best for post-surgical rehab and structured strengthening programs, while chiropractic care is effective for joint mobility, spinal alignment, and movement-related pain. Many athletes benefit from using both as part of a complete care plan.
Do pro athletes use chiropractors?
Yes, many professional athletes regularly use chiropractors. Chiropractic care is commonly part of sports medicine teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and Olympic programs. Athletes use chiropractors to improve mobility, manage pain, and reduce injury risk.
How often should an athlete see a chiropractor?
Frequency depends on the athlete’s sport, training load, and injury history. Some athletes benefit from weekly or bi-weekly care during the season, while others may only need occasional visits. A sports chiropractor can recommend a schedule based on individual needs.
What does a chiropractor do for athletes?
Chiropractors help athletes improve joint mobility, spinal function, and movement efficiency. They identify imbalances that increase injury risk and provide care to support recovery and performance. Treatment is tailored to the athlete’s sport and physical demands.