April 12, 2017
4 Things to Expect at Your Child’s Sports Physical
When your child participates in school, community, or club sports, a sports physical may be required for participation. A physical is not as simple as getting a signed note from your pediatrician that you have been routinely going to annual checkups. Your child will have to go in and receive a physical to ensure that they are physically fit enough to participate in the sport they want to play. Whatever sport your child plays, they will likely be required to get a physical because sports participation does introduce your child to risk of injury and it is important to know the complete status of your child’s health for their protection. If your child has never had a sports physical, here are 4 things to expect when they get their physical:
1. Your Family Doctor or Pediatrician Can Complete Your Child’s Sports Physical
When parents hear that their child needs a sports physical, they may wonder where they need to go to accomplish this. Some schools offer the ability to get your sports physical done right at school but many do not. Your child does not need to see a sports medicine doctor or specialist. Your child can simply visit their existing family doctor or pediatrician and see the doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who will complete their exam and sign the required form for your child.
2. Your Child’s Medical History Will Be Examined
As part of your child’s sports physical the doctor will want to know about your child’s health history, including a family history of medical conditions. Medical history questions may include things about family history of serious medical conditions, past injuries, past hospitalizations, current medications, and allergies.
3. Your Child Will Receive a Physical Examination
As part of a sports physical, your child will receive a physical examination. The doctor will examine things like heart health, vision, hearing, height, weight, lungs, blood pressure, posture, joints, flexibility, and overall physical fitness.
4. What If Your Doctor Does Not Sign the Form
If your doctor finds a problem and does not feel comfortable signing the form, it could be for a number of reasons. Some doctors may simply require additional tests, such as bloodwork, or to re-check things like blood pressure. Once those tests are done your doctor may sign your form. If your doctor finds other health concerns, your doctor may want to develop a plan with you and your coach to remedy those issues to ensure your child is ready for physical competition. At any point, your doctor may feel ready to sign the form, but it is important to be completely up front if your child is experiencing any continuing health problems or injuries to ensure the complete safety and health of your child.
