Why are Sports Physicals Needed?

Sports Physical Round Rock, TX

Certain medical professionals are approved to perform sports physical on children and teenagers. These include medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, physician assistants and registered nurses. They all have the training and knowledge to ensure that athletes are not at risk during sports. If you are wondering why your child needs one of these physicals, keep reading to learn more.

About sports physicals

Many parents wonder why their children need to have a sports physical. This is especially true when the children have already undergone an annual physical given by their primary care provider. An annual physical is given to children to make sure that they are overall healthy. A sports physical is given to children to make sure that they are in good enough shape to take part in sports without complication. Every parent wants their children to be safe when playing sports. For this reason, every child needs to have a sports physical performed before participating.

According to American Family Physician, approximately 30 million athletes younger than 18 years old receive medical clearance to play sports every year. Make sure your child is included in this statistic to ensure that they are safe during their sport.

How often are sports physicals required?

Generally speaking, when a child undergoes a sports physical, they are approved to play in their sport for one calendar year. This can cover all sports during the school year. Since there are a few states that make it necessary for children to undergo a sports physical before each season of sports, parents need to check with the school to see the exact requirements.

What happens during a sports physical?

Two different parts make up a sports physical. The first part requires parents to answer questions about their child’s medical history. A medical professional will carefully go through the answers to determine whether any patterns exist that could potentially lead to a child being injured when playing sports. The answers will also help to determine whether any underlying health conditions could hinder your child’s ability to participate.

The second part requires the child to undergo a physical examination. A medical professional will check the child’s height and weight, take their blood pressure and listen to their heart and lungs. They will also examine their ears, nose and throat, test their vision, examine their posture and check their joints for overall strength and flexibility.

If everything is good to go, the medical staff will sign the relevant paperwork and clear the child to play. Should something be of concern, the physician may ask for the child to undergo testing such as an electrocardiogram.

Need to schedule a sports physical for your child?

Does your child need a sports physical to participate in their favorite sport? If so, you can visit our urgent care center to get your child cleared to play. Instead of scheduling a visit with your family doctor, you can walk into our clinic at any time to get a physical.

Call us today at (512) 243-5872 for more information from Viva Health Clinic.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sports Physical in Round Rock, TX.

Related Posts

Understanding Pap Smear Results: What They Mean

Pap smears are routine screenings that check for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Getting these screenings helps detect these conditions early when they are easier to treat. Patients need to understand their results and when further screening is needed.Also known as a pap test, a pap smear…

Pregnancy Testing: Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy testing gives patients certainty about whether they are expecting. If unsure, an urgent care or primary care provider can administer these tests with a smaller margin of error than over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Although the process is straightforward, it is normal to have questions heading into the appointment. Exploring the answers to some of the…

The Importance And Benefits Of Immunizations

Immunizations, also known as vaccines, are injections that can prevent serious illness and improve individual health. Immunizations and vaccinations have helped prevent diseases that once spread rapidly through communities and killed infants and young children. Children who have had vaccinations against these contagious illnesses show improved health and wellness over time. Their enhanced immunity also…

Common Services Offered By A Family Practice

A family practice, also known as family medicine, is a medical specialty that treats patients of varying ages. Family medical providers complete medical training and licenses to address various medical issues and provide personalized healthcare for the entire family. This approach to medicine ensures that individuals receive ongoing and collaborative medical treatment throughout their lives.Family…