A sports physical is an exam that most schools, camps, and organizations require before your child may engage in sports and other physical activities. During a sports physical, your Comprehensive Care Clinic healthcare professional will inquire about your child’s health and review their medical history. Also, they will screen for disorders that might put your child at a higher risk of injury, sickness, or other health issues caused by physical activities.
How prevalent are sports physicals?
Sports physicals are quite prevalent, particularly among children and teens. More than half of youngsters aged 6 to 17 participate in sports or attend sports lessons in the United States. Schools, camps, and organizations usually require a sports physical. Many of them may demand it before enabling your child to participate in sports or other activities.
What occurs during sports physicals
Sports physicals may be performed differently by various providers. However, they always involve discussing your kid’s medical history and a physical assessment. Your physician will want to know about their health, the health of the family, medical concerns, and the medications they use.
The physical exam is comparable to your yearly checkup, but it includes some additional items related to sports. The doctor will examine your child’s lungs, heart, bones, and joints. Your service provider may:
- Measure your kid’s height and weight.
- Measure their blood pressure and pulse.
- Test their vision.
- Check your child’s heart, lungs, belly, ears, nose, and throat.
- Assess their joints, strength, flexibility, and posture.
The ideal time to get your child sports physicals
Healthcare experts usually recommend sports physicals 6 to 8 weeks before the activity or sports season starts. This allows you to get your youngster assessed. It also allows the healthcare professional time to address any concerns that arise during the physical.
Additionally, your youngster will most likely require a sport physical yearly. They may have more than one sports physical in a year if they are recovering from an injury.
The distinction between an annual physical and a sports physical
Your child’s health is evaluated during a sports physical with a specific sport or activity in mind. The evaluation determines your kid’s capacity to engage safely in a particular activity. Conversely, an annual well-check or physical exam assesses your child’s overall health and ability to participate in an activity.
What if your child’s provider discovers an issue during their sports physical?
If your doctor notices an injury or a symptom that suggests a concern, they may recommend more testing. If your kid has any of the following conditions, they may require a follow-up appointment:
- Bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
- Cardiovascular disorder.
- Genetic diseases such as Marfan syndrome.
- History of concussions.
- Injuries or issues with their musculoskeletal system.
- Lung problems like asthma.
Sports physicals give your healthcare professional vital information about your kid’s health. This information assists them in determining your child’s risk of harm so they can participate safely. Ensure your child’s healthcare practitioner has a complete family health history to avoid injury and sickness.
Plan a sports physical well before the sports season to allow for further exams or treatment if needed. Call Comprehensive Care Clinic to schedule your meeting today to determine which sports physical procedures are ideal for your child.
