Before you let your child try out for the sports team, it’s important to visit your pediatrician for a sports physical, or a pre-participation physical examination. This will assure you that your child can safely play or compete in a sport.
Importance of Sports Physicals
Sports physicals can give you a lot of information about the health of your child and the kind of problems they might encounter while playing. This will allow the pediatrician to give precise advice on how you and your child can develop an appropriate plan to stay safe while playing sports, including advice on a suitable diet and stretching exercises, as well as the risks that are involved in sports. The pediatrician can also ensure the appropriate medications are prescribed for use during sports if your child has any health problems, like asthma or allergies.
History & Physical Examination
During your child’s sports physical examination, the pediatrician will review your child’s medical history, such as family illnesses, previous hospitalizations and injuries, immunizations, allergies, and medications. The pediatrician will also ask about drugs and alcohol, and whether the child has gone through puberty.
The pediatrician will then perform a physical examination that often includes:
- Obtaining the height and weight
- Recording the vital signs such as the blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate
- Checking the nose, ears, throat, abdomen, heart, and lungs
- Performing a vision test
- Assessing your child’s endurance, flexibility, posture, and strength
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are usually not necessary during a sports physical examination. If the pediatrician discovers something of concern during the medical history or physical examination, then tests such as a urinalysis, complete blood count, or echo-cardiogram (to check the anatomy and function of the heart) may be recommended.
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