Sports Physicals
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Lapeer Pediatrics
Board Certified Pediatricians located in Lapeer, MI & Flint, MI
Playing a sport can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying things a child can do, having a lasting positive effect on many aspects of their life. A sports physical is an important step to starting any sport. The team led by Mohammad Al-Harastani, MD, FAAP, and Sami Al-Harastani, MD, at Lapeer Pediatrics in Lapeer and Harastani Pediatrics in Flint/Grand Blanc, Michigan, offer their patient’s convenient sports physical exams as part of their routine check up. To learn more, call or go online today to schedule your appointment.
Sports Physicals
What is a sports physical?
As children or teenagers grow and develop physically and emotionally, participating in sports can offer many benefits. The activity can help them grow into strong individuals, keeping them in shape as they develop.
Sports are also a great way for children to socialize and make new friends. Perhaps most importantly, sports can help build self-confidence and a positive self-image, something that can stay with them for the rest of their life.
In order to play a sport, it’s often required that your child gets a physical exam to ensure that they’re healthy enough to participate in the sport.
This exam, done at the beginning of the sports season, is referred to as a sports physical. In addition to being required, a sports physical is a great way to protect against potential injury or illness that could occur if a child is not well enough or fit enough to participate.
What happens during a sports physical?
The team at Lapeer Pediatrics will take a thorough medical history of your child or teenager. This includes reviewing any past illnesses, injuries, or hospitalizations.
The medical history is important to ensure that there are no pre-existing conditions that might interfere with your child’s ability to play their chosen sport or prevent them from being able to take the physical demands of the sport.
Your teenager or child will fill out a questionnaire with your help. Common conditions looked for during a sports physical include:
- Asthma
- Excess weight
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Hernias
In addition to the health history portion, the team at Lapeer Pediatrics will do a thorough physical exam, checking your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, neurological function, vision, heart, and lungs.
At the end of the exam, the team will determine if your child can safely engage in their sporting activities or if they might need certain modifications like special equipment or carrying medical treatments like an asthma inhaler.
When should my child get a sports physical?
Children or teens should have their sports physical done 6-8 weeks before their sports season starts. The team at Lapeer Pediatrics will provide you with a sports physical form for your child if your child has been getting their annual wellness exam at their office.
To learn more about sports physicals, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at Lapeer Pediatrics.
