Getting a sports physical examination is often a required component of participating in or trying out for a sports program. Medical professionals examine kids or teens for any diseases or injuries that could make it unsafe to participate in sports and review the family and child’s medical histories to ensure additional tests are performed if needed.
Why Do Children Need a Sports Physical Examination?
In the United States, 35 million children participate in sports each year. Each one needs to be prepared to have a healthy, successful season. Preparing to play a sport involves gathering the right equipment, uniforms, and practicing fundamental skills. However, preparing your body to ensure it is ready to endure physical activity is the most important preparation you can do before a season starts. Painful injuries can land a seat on the sidelines for the whole season, so it’s important your body is ready to withstand anything from a sprained ankle to bee stings without compromising overall health.
What Happens During a Sports Physical Exam?
Medical professionals will begin by asking questions about family medical history and personal history of illness, hospitalizations, or injuries that could prevent participation. Children and teens might be asked to answer a health history form about daily habits to see if anything might limit the amount of activity they can manage.
The physical exam portion may include checking the following:
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Ear, nose, and throat
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Vision and hearing
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Height and weight
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Pulse, blood pressure, heart, lungs, and other organs
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Joint flexibility, mobility, spinal alignment, and posture
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Cholesterol, urine, or hemoglobin screening
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Neurological functions such as reflexes, coordination, and strength
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And more
The medical professional will then determine if a person is healthy enough for sports. If the sports physical examination returns concerns, recommendations for modifications like an inhaler for asthma, an epinephrine auto injector for possible anaphylactic shock from insect stings, or other special protective equipment may be made. In some cases, medical professionals might recommend a person is not healthy for regular participation in sports.
Where Can I Take My Athlete to Get a Sports Physical?
Come to your local FastMed if your athlete needs a sports physical examination! We do not require appointments and can see most walk-ins in under an hour. We offer convenient hours to fit busy schedules so you do not have to miss work or school. We are even open on weekends and holidays. Our friendly medical professionals will ensure your child is physically ready to participate in sports.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.