Sports Physicals Exams in Manvel, TX

A sports physical is performed to assess whether a child is fit to engage in physical activities. During a sports physical, several key components are evaluated by a medical professional. To begin the visit, the doctor will go over the child’s medical history, including any past injuries, illnesses, surgeries, and family medical history. The physical exam includes measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. The doctor will also check the child’s vision, hearing, and overall physical development.

During the visit, the doctor will listen to the child’s heart and lungs to ensure there are no abnormalities that could affect their ability to participate safely in sports. The physician will assess the child’s joints, strength, flexibility, and posture to identify any musculoskeletal issues that could increase the risk of injury.

Based on the findings of the sports physical, the doctor may provide recommendations on how to keep your child healthy and help them avoid injuries, whether it be through stretching, conditioning, or proper nutrition.

A regular physical exam and a sports physical serve different purposes. On one hand, a regular physical exam is a comprehensive assessment of overall health, including preventive care, screenings for chronic diseases, and vaccinations. Physical exams should be performed on an annual basis. 

In contrast, a sports physical focuses specifically on determining whether it is safe for a child to participate in sports. This assessment emphasizes cardiovascular and musculoskeletal evaluations to identify any issues that could impact athletic performance or safety. 

Many schools, camps, and sports organizations require a sports physical for youth participants. These evaluations are usually good for one year, so your child will likely have to complete one every season. If your child is healing from an injury, you might have to schedule sports physicals more often.

Before the appointment, there are a few things you should ensure your child avoids for accurate results from the sports physical:

• Strenuous exercise – It’s strongly urged to avoid heavy physical activity the day before and the day of the exam.
• Heavy meals – It’s important to ensure your child avoids large meals right before the exam. If they are hungry, a light snack or meal is the best option.
• Caffeine – You should monitor caffeine intake, as it can elevate your child’s blood pressure and heart rate before their sports physical.

When you come in for a sports physical, the physician will thoroughly assess your child’s health and wellness to determine whether they can participate in athletic activities at school, at camp, or on a team. To get the most out of your time with the doctor, it’s important to arrive at your child’s sports physical prepared. As the healthcare provider will inquire about your child’s medical history, eating habits, mental health, and current fitness levels, you should gather this information and be ready to discuss it in detail.

Following the medical history review, the doctor will perform a physical examination, take your child’s vital signs, measure their height and weight, and evaluate their eyesight and hearing. Please ensure your child’s clothing is loose-fitting and comfortable to make the physical examination straightforward.

If the doctor determines that your child is fit to play sports, they will provide you with written permission for participation. On the other hand, if the doctor identifies concerns, they will discuss the findings in detail with you as well as the next steps. For instance, they may include requirements for safe play, such as wearing glasses or knee braces.

It’s recommended to bring your child in for a sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before their school sport, camp, or team season begins, as this allows your child plenty of time to be evaluated and any concerns to be treated. For comprehensive sports physical services, visit Apt Urgent Care in Manvel, TX. For more information contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 10447 Bailey Rd Suite 170 Manvel, TX 77578. We serve patients from Manvel TX, Houston TX, Iowa Colony TX, Alvin TX, Fresno TX, Pearland TX, and surrounding areas.