Who needs a sports physical?
Many teams, clubs, and organizations require children to get a physical before playing school and community sports. All states require some form of physical evaluation to play sports at the high school level and higher. Your athletic director should provide the necessary guidelines before the start of the season.
What happens during a sports physical?
First, Dr. Carruth asks about your child’s full medical history to identify any issues that might limit or prevent them from playing sports. This history includes a questionnaire asking about symptoms they’ve experienced and lifestyle habits that could affect their ability to play.
He also checks to make sure all immunizations are up-to-date. The rest of the physical involves checking your child’s:
- Height and weight
- Pulse and blood pressure
- Heart and lungs
- Neurologic and joint functions (i.e. reflexes, strength, spinal alignment, etc)
- Vision and hearing
- Ears, nose, and throat
- Blood and urine samples
- Genitals
Dr. Carruth may order additional labs or tests if he notices any troublesome indicators of a condition. If everything checks out, Dr. Carruth permits your child to play without restriction. If your child has a condition that affects their ability to play, your pediatrician may allow him or her to play with modifications. It’s very rare that your child would be restricted from playing at all.
How are sports physicals different than regular physicals?
A sports physical should not take the place of your child’s annual physical exam. Sports physicals only focus on a child’s fitness and readiness for sports.
Dr. Carruth checks your family’s history and screens for disease and injuries that might affect a child out on the field. Among the common conditions that affect sports are:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Repetitive sprains and strains
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart issues
- Eating disorders
During a physical exam, Dr. Carruth performs a more thorough examination that isn’t focused exclusively on sports readiness.
If your child needs a sports physical to be able to play on the team, call the office or use the online booking option to schedule an appointment right away.
