The Importance of Sports Physicals
Most schools and athletic organizations require the completion of a sports physical before a minor can participate in athletic activity. These physicals are designed to ensure that a child is physically able and can safely participate in competitive sports.
While these sports physicals should not replace regular, well-child visits to a doctor, they can identify any medical issues or treatments that are necessary before undertaking regular, high-stress physical activity. The Little Clinic offers sports physicals year-round, with many young athletes choosing to undergo their physical in the summer months as they prepare for fall sports at school.
What does a Sports Physical entail?
A sports physical consists of two parts, a thorough medical history and a physical exam. The medical history will uncover any pre-existing issues that should be addressed, and the physical exam will address any current physical limitations.
Medical History
The medical history will consist largely of questions related to the following:
? serious illnesses among other family members
? past and current illnesses (conditions like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy)
? past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
? previous hospitalizations or surgeries
? allergies (to insect bites, for example)
? whether the child ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
? Current medications (over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and herbal supplements)
Physical Exam
The physical exam consists of the following:
? Height and weight measurement
? Blood pressure and pulse reading
? Vision test
? Heart, lung, abdomen, ear, nose and throat check
? Posture, joint, strength and flexibility evaluation
The sports physical is the first step for parents, coaches and medical personnel to understand the unique risks each young athletes faces in participating in sports.
With many sports training in the summer months and with increased awareness about concussions and brain trauma, extra care should always be taken when kids are exercising in high temperatures or if they suffer any type of contact to the head or neck.
A thorough sports physical can prevent many of the issues young athletes experience today (like repetitive concussions or heat-related illness), or at the very least, alert the adults in charge of any athletes that need special considerations.
