Did you know that participation in organized sports has increased significantly in recent years? According to the National Council of Youth Sports, over 60 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States each year. While sports can offer many benefits, including improved physical fitness, teamwork, and socialization, they can also pose risks for injuries and other health issues. That’s why sports physicals are essential for young athletes.
Sports physicals are designed to assess a child’s overall health and fitness, identify potential risks for injuries or health conditions, and ensure they are physically prepared to participate in sports safely. A pediatrician will evaluate various aspects of a child’s health and wellness during a sports physical.
In this article, we’ll look closer at what pediatricians look for during sports physicals and how these exams help keep kids safe while participating in sports.
Medical History
During a sports physical, a pediatrician will review the child’s medical history, including any chronic medical conditions, medications, allergies, or previous injuries. They will also ask about any family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions that could impact the child’s health or athletic performance.
Vital Signs
Next, the pediatrician will typically check the child’s vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate. These measurements can help identify any underlying health issues that could pose a risk during sports participation, such as high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, or asthma.
Vision and Hearing
Good vision and hearing are essential for safe and effective sports participation. Therefore, a pediatrician usually checks a child’s vision and hearing during a sports physical. This can help identify any vision or hearing impairments impacting the child’s ability to participate in sports safely.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, muscles, and joints. It plays a critical role in sports performance and injury prevention.
During a sports physical, a pediatrician will evaluate the child’s musculoskeletal system, looking for signs of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. They may also perform a joint exam to check for existing or potential injuries.
Overall Health and Wellness
In addition to these specific areas, pediatricians will use the sports physical to discuss overall health and wellness with the child and their parents. This may include discussions about nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress management, and injury prevention.
Incorporate Sports Physicals Into Your Child’s Health and Wellness Plan
If your child participates in sports activities, making sports physicals a regular part of their overall health and wellness plan is essential. In addition to helping prevent injuries and health issues related to sports participation, sports physicals can also provide an opportunity for pediatricians to identify and address any underlying health concerns that could impact your child’s long-term health.
At KidzNow Urgent Care on FM 78, we offer sports physicals for children and adolescents of all ages. Our providers are experienced in identifying potential injury risks and health conditions that could impact your child’s ability to participate in sports safely.
To schedule a sports physical for your child, you can book your visit online or call us at (210) 934-5439.