As the summer winds down and the school year approaches, young athletes everywhere are gearing up for their favorite sports. Whether it’s soccer, football, volleyball or cross country, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of starting a new season. But before your child laces up those cleats or hits the court, there’s one crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked: the sports physical.

What Exactly is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, also referred to by Nemours Children’s Health as a pre-participation physical examination, is a check-up to assess your child’s health and fitness as it relates to a sport. The goal is to ensure that your young athlete is in good condition to participate and to identify any potential health issues that might need to be addressed. Nemours Children’s Health recommends a sports physical to look for any potential injury risks and underlying conditions.

Why Are Sports Physicals So Important?

Detecting Underlying Health Issues

Sometimes, kids can have underlying health problems that aren’t apparent during their day-to-day activities but can become serious during intense physical exertion. A sports physical helps to catch conditions like asthma, heart problems or other issues that could be exacerbated by strenuous activity. Early detection means you and your child can manage these conditions effectively, ensuring their safety on the field!

Preventing Injuries

A key part of the sports physical is assessing the risk of injury. The doctor will look at previous injuries and current physical condition to provide recommendations. This might include specific exercises to strengthen certain areas, advice on equipment or other tips to help prevent injuries. For example, if your child has had a knee injury, the doctor might suggest a specific type of brace or exercises to improve stability.

What Happens During a Sports Physical?

A typical sports physical is mainly about your child’s medical history and current physical status. We will:

Ask questions about medical history
Measure height and weight
Check blood pressure and pulse
Examine the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
Evaluate the athlete’s posture, joints, strength and flexibility

Get a Sports Physical at Verity Health Center

Getting a sports physical is a simple yet vital step to ensure the safety and well-being of your young athlete. By catching potential issues early and providing tailored advice, sports physicals help your child stay healthy and perform at his or her best. So, before the season kicks off, make sure to schedule a sports physical for your young athlete. It’s an investment in their health, performance, and peace of mind for you as a parent. Contact us today to book an appointment and ensure your young athlete is prepared for a fantastic season!