Sports physicals are a must for athletes at the start of the sports season. Children and teens who undergo sports physicals are less likely to experience injuries and have negative experiences.
The purpose of a sports physical is to determine if your child is healthy enough to practice sports and find out if he or she has hidden injuries. These physicals are particularly essential for children who suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies.
Curious about what you can expect from a sports physical? From the staff of First Care Medical Clinic, here’s a guide on how to prepare your child for a sports physical.
What a sports physical entails
A sports physical performed by one of our providers at First Care Medical Clinic may include the following:
- Weight and height measurements
- Pulse and blood pressure measurements
- Vision and hearing screening
- Heart, lungs and abdomen check-up
- Joint and flexibility check-up
Aside from these check-ups and screenings, our provider also looks at how prescription medication may interfere with your child’s ability to be physically active.
Some schools give forms for medical providers to complete. Bring these to the office along with papers showing the complete medical history of your child.
The day before the sports physical
Many children fear the doctor’s office because it makes them think of needles and surgeries. Others are afraid that their allergies and breathing problems may get in the way of them playing sports.
Before the physical, reassure your child that all the testing is done to prevent injuries and health issues. Also, even children with injuries are recommended to exercise, as long as the exercises are customized. For example, children with severe allergies to pollen may benefit from indoor sports.
If your child is showing signs of anxiety due to seeing a health practitioner, plan a reward for after the physical. This way, your child will be more focused on the reward that comes after the physical instead of thinking about what may happen in the physician’s office.
Where to get a sport physical
Our providers at First Care Medical Clinic offer sports physicals for children and teens at the following locations:
- Monroe, North Carolina
- Albemarle, North Carolina
- Gastonia, North Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
You can contact us via our website to schedule an appointment or call any of our offices directly to speak with a member of our staff.