When it’s time for your child’s team sports to begin, you know that a participation form and physical examination are part of the preseason routine. So, whether the sport is organized through school or club, or you just want to ensure your child is healthy enough for the rough and tumble of neighborhood games, see your pediatrician in The Woodlands, TX, for sports physicals for kids.
Why Does My Child Need a Sports Physical?
A sports physical examination with your child’s pediatrician ensures that your child is physically and mentally capable of participating in athletic activity. During the visit, the provider will review your child’s medical history and complete a head-to-toe physical exam to identify any potential health issues which could impact the ability to play sports. This allows the doctor to address these issues and to recommend ways to manage them.
In addition, a comprehensive sports physical with your pediatrician detects any underlying conditions which may put your child at risk during physical activity. Examples of limiting conditions are asthma, heart problems or musculoskeletal weaknesses.
Finally, schools, sports clubs, camps and other organizations require sports physicals. Typically, they provide preparticipation physical evaluation forms to be completed and signed by the child’s healthcare provider. The form includes information pertinent to your child’s health history, vaccination record and your child’s present physical condition and readiness for athletic activity.
What Should You Do Before Your Child’s Sports Physical?
Parents should have the appropriate forms ready for the pediatrician to complete. Also, be sure to make a sports physical appointment with the doctor well in advance of the sports season – at least six to eight weeks ahead of the deadline.
Finally, discuss with your child the importance of being physically and mentally ready to play sports. This includes understanding the risks and responsibilities involved in athletics. It is important for parents to have open communication with their children and their healthcare providers regarding any concerns or issues related to sports physicals and athletic participation.
What Do Sports Physicals for Kids Involve?
Sports physicals for kids involves an in-office assessment of your child’s physical and mental faculties. Your pediatrician will go over your child’s medical history, medications, and vaccinations. In addition, the doctor will assess the following:
- Height, weight and vital signs
- Growth and development, including onset of puberty
- Ear, nose and throat
- Lymph nodes
- Skin
- Muscular strength, coordination and reflexes
- Vision and hearing
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen
With girls, doctors typically look closely at bone strength, menstruation and nutrition as these aspects of health pose particular risks to young female athletes.
Finally, your child’s doctor will address any concerns about sports participation. For instance, the pediatrician may discuss ways for the child with asthma to avoid flare-ups and how and when to use medications most effectively.
After assessing all of these health-related factors, the doctor will provide recommendations for a safe and healthy sports experience, including things such as:
- Hydration and nutrition
- Rest and sleep
- Proper ways to train
- Avoiding injury
- Wearing and using the right equipment for the sport
Why Seeing Your Pediatrician Is Important
You should see your pediatrician for your child’s sports physical rather than sending him or her to the school for a group physical. Frankly, your child’s pediatrician knows his or her medical history, maintains your child’s health records and has a better understanding of any potential risks or concerns which may arise during sports participation.
Additionally, seeing the same children’s doctor each year allows for continuity of care. It also provides the opportunity to build a trusting relationship between the doctor, child and parent.
Schedule a Kids Sports Physical in Spring and The Woodlands, TX
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, our friendly pediatricians are Drs. Shah, Sultana, Poonawala and Sigdel. We serve families in two convenient locations with sick visits and well-child exams, including sports physicals.
We are here to help you and your child have a happy and memorable sports physical experience. So, contact us for a kids sports physical. Call (281) 296-7770 or request your visit here. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon.
