Sports Physicals: Why Your Child Needs One

Physical exams are a key part of keeping your child safe and healthy. Specifically, spring is the best time for a sports physical, and our team at Pediatric Care of Four Corners can help get your child ready for their season. Let’s discuss why it’s important for your child to get a sports physical this spring.

Why is the best time for a sports physical?

Most schools don’t allow children to play sports unless they’ve been cleared by a health professional. While you can schedule their physical at any time, the best time is in the spring because it gives your child plenty of time to get ready for their season.

We recommend that your child get their sports physical at least six weeks in advance. The reason is that if your child has a health issue, it gives our family practitioners enough time to treat it and ensure their safety so they can do what they love.

How a sports physical keeps your child safe and healthy

A sports physical provides numerous benefits. At Pediatric Care of Four Corners, our comprehensive exam can help keep your child safe and injury-free in the following ways.

Health evaluation

During your child’s physical exam, our team evaluates their overall health status. We check their weight and height, as well as their heart, blood pressure, and vision. 

Our team also asks questions about how your child feels during exercise. If they have any exercise-induced symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath when running, your Pediatric Care of Four Corners provider may recommend additional testing to find the cause. 

Prevent injuries

A physical exam is an important feature of the sports physical. Reviewing certain body systems and structures, like the musculoskeletal structure, can help our team determine your child’s risk for sports-related injuries.

If your child often deals with minor aches in their shoulder when playing sports, we can recommend certain actions to take before, during, and after practice to lower their risk of injury.

Medical history review

Another key section of a sports physical is reviewing your child’s medical history as well as your family history. Our team may ask you and your child questions about past injuries, allergies, nutrition, and medication history. 

If your child had a severe ankle sprain in the past, we can educate your family on proper stretches and ways to strengthen your child’s ankle so they can avoid reinjuring it.

Pediatric Care of Four Corners has a patient-centered approach, so we take our time to discuss your child’s health goals with them, while also making sure they can safely participate in sports.

To get started, book your appointment at Pediatric Care of Four Corners online or give our office a call.