What Do You Have to Do for a Sports Physical?
Sports physicals are often required for children to participate in organized sports. This is to validate that your younger child or teenager is healthy enough to play by identifying conditions or injuries that might risk their safety. Even if a condition or disease is identified, such as asthma or diabetes, there may be ways to control or monitor the condition so your child can be given the green light to participate.
What to Expect During a Sports Physical
The sports physical will begin with a discussion about your child’s family history of medical conditions, medications currently being taken, immunization record, hospitalizations, past injuries, etc. Teenagers will be asked about their lifestyle such as smoking, vaping, alcohol/drug usage, eating disorders, menstrual patterns, etc. The doctor will assess your child’s:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Pulse/heart rate
- Vision
- Lungs
- Reflexes and joints
- Strength and flexibility
- Eyes, ears, nose and mouth/throat
- Lymph nodes
- Abdomen
These physical checks will help your doctor identify any abnormalities that might interfere with physical activities or conditions that might become aggravated during activity. Blood tests, X-rays or other tests may be ordered to help diagnose conditions.
Stay Proactive with the Physical Schedule
It’s possible that your child will need to have their doctor clear them for sports prior to every season (yearly). Try not to wait until the last minute to schedule a sports physical: ideally, book your child’s physical at least 6-8 weeks before the season starts. If any condition is identified, you may have time to seek treatment or visit a specialist so your child will be ready for the kick-off of their season.
Westgate Family Physicians are a team of family doctors in Spartanburg, SC, that provide sports physicals. We will carefully assess your child and determine if it will be safe for them to play their sport of choice. Our main goal is to keep your child protected and active! If you would like to schedule a sports physical in Spartanburg, contact us at (864) 574-0070 or click here to make an appointment.