Every year, millions of kids sign up to play sports through their schools, community, or other groups, and while playing organized sports definitely comes with a lot of benefits, it also brings an increased risk of injuries. Getting a sports physical can help reduce that risk and ensure your child gets the most from their sport.
Nevada Pediatric Specialists is a leading provider of comprehensive pediatric care in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, and that includes sports physicals to help young athletes play safe. In this post, our team offers a quick overview of sports physicals and why now is a good time to schedule your child’s exam.
Sports physicals feature some of the same evaluations as a regular annual physical, but our providers tailor those evaluations to the unique needs of athletes and to the specific demands of the sport. For instance, a child playing tennis will experience different physical challenges compared to a basketball player. A sports physical takes those differences into account.
During your child’s physical, we check their height and weight, listen to their heart and lungs, check their joints and reflexes, and perform other evaluations based on their individual needs. We may order lab testing, as well, especially if your child has a chronic medical condition, like asthma or diabetes.
The sports physical exam is also a perfect opportunity for you and your child to learn about sports safety and the importance of nutrition, sleep, and proper warm-up techniques, as well as the importance of rest and recovery to avoid strain and other injuries. It’s also a great time to ask questions and set age-appropriate expectations for very demanding or rigorous sports.
The question of when to schedule a sports physical is often decided for you. Many schools and community sports programs require a physical exam prior to allowing your child to take part.
If your child’s team doesn’t require a sports physical, you should still schedule one. It helps ensure your child is healthy enough for play and sets them up for a successful season.
Because your child needs a physical before participating in a sport, it’s important to schedule the exam well in advance of their first practice. Getting the physical done early avoids scheduling conflicts and provides time for follow-up evaluations or testing if we recommend it.
For kids who participate in school sports each year, you can combine an annual physical with a sports physical for added convenience. Check with your child’s school, community organizer, or coach for any deadline you don’t want to miss.
Playing sports offers many important benefits for kids and teens. Having a sports physical helps your child take full advantage of those benefits while reducing their risk of injuries.
To schedule your child’s sports physical, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists today.
