Before your child can play a sport or participate in a physical activity, they need to get a check-up called a sports physical.
It might seem like just another task for you and your child, but it’s super important for making sure your child stays safe and healthy while playing their sport. In this blog, we’ll talk about the head-to-toe physical exam involved in sports physicals.
What Are Sports Physicals?
Sports physicals are physical exams designed for those who want to participate in sports or a physical activity. These exams can reveal hidden problems that might affect your child’s performance or put them at risk of injury.
The Head-to-Toe Check-Up
Here is what a sports physical exam involves:
Head Examination
Checking Your Child's Eyes
The provider will check your child’s eyes to ensure good vision. This part of the sports physicals can catch vision problems that might affect their ability to play sports or perform daily activities.
Examining Your Child's Ears
Hearing is crucial for communication, especially in team sports. The provider will check your child’s ears to ensure they can hear well.
Nose and Throat Check
The provider will look inside your child’s nose and throat to check for signs of infection or other problems. A healthy nose and throat are important for breathing well, which is essential for staying active.
Neck and Shoulder Examination
Neck Flexibility
The provider will check the flexibility of your child’s neck. This is especially important if they are involved in sports that require a lot of head movement, like soccer or basketball.
Shoulder Strength
Strong shoulders are vital for many sports. The provider will test your child’s shoulder strength to ensure they’re in good shape. This part of the sports physical can help prevent shoulder injuries caused by structural issues.
Checking for Pain
If your child feels any pain in their neck or shoulders, encourage them to tell the provider. They can help identify the cause and suggest ways to treat it, so your child can stay pain-free and active.
Chest and Heart Examination
Listening to Your Child's Heart
The provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your child’s heart. This can help detect any unusual sounds that might indicate a problem. A healthy heart is crucial for staying active and fit.
Checking Your Child's Lungs
Good lung function is essential for sports and physical activity. The provider will listen to your child’s lungs to ensure they’re working properly.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be a silent danger for everyone, including your child. The provider will check your child’s blood pressure to ensure it’s within a healthy range. Keeping blood pressure in check is vital for overall health.
Back and Spine Examination
Limb and Joint Examination
Checking Posture
Good posture is crucial for preventing injuries and staying active. The provider will check your child’s posture and spine alignment to ensure everything is in order.
Flexibility Test
Your provider will also check your child’s flexibility. Staying flexible can help prevent injuries and improve performance in sports and daily activities.
Detecting Pain
If your child experiences any back pain, encourage them to let the provider know. They can help identify the cause and suggest treatments to keep your child moving comfortably.
Arm Strength
Strong arms are essential for many sports and activities. Your provider will test your child’s arm strength to ensure they’re in good shape.
Leg Flexibility
Flexible legs can help prevent injuries and improve performance. Your provider will test the flexibility of your child’s legs to ensure they’re working well.
Checking Joints
Your provider will check your child’s joints for any signs of swelling or pain. Healthy joints are crucial for staying active and preventing injuries.
Other Possible Tests
Skin Examination
Rashes can be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection. The provider will check your child’s skin for any signs of rashes and recommend treatments, if needed.
Blood Test
Sometimes, doctors perform a simple blood test to ensure the patient has a healthy balance of minerals and other components within their blood. This can help reveal conditions like high cholesterol, anemia, and more.
Sports Physicals Near Me At MyCHN
Is your child ready for the upcoming sports season? Ensure they are with a comprehensive sports physical at MyCHN. Our pediatrics department provides thorough and evidence-based care to monitor your child’s growth and abilities, making sure they are fit and healthy to participate in their favorite activities.
From vision and hearing checks to flexibility and strength tests, our team of board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners will ensure your child is in top shape.
For more information about our providers or to schedule a consultation with them, call us today at (281) 824-1480 or fill out our form to become our patient.
We look forward to serving you!
