Any child who plays sports really needs one. Most teams or schools ask that your child undergoes a sports physical before joining their program. If your child plays in club or recreation leagues, they may or may not be asked to get a physical before joining the game.
Even if your child isn’t officially “required” to get a sports physical, it’s a good idea. The visit gives your child a chance to connect with a health professional and make sure immunizations, screenings, and health information is up to date.
Plus, a physical can identify any underlying conditions that could cause a health problem during the season.
An opportunity to review health history
Your child benefits from having all their medical records in one place and one provider who knows their health history. That way if problems arise, the information is readily available.
At a sports physical, Dr. KHAN reviews your child’s health history which includes information about family illness, childhood issues (such as diabetes or epilepsy), previous hospitalizations and surgeries, allergies, past injuries, and any medications they take regularly.
A thorough physical exam
A sports physical is different from an annual physical, but you can ask for it to be thorough enough to double as your child’s annual exam, which is an essential part of their health care.
At the sports physical, Dr. Khan notes your child’s basic health statistics, such as height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. She’ll check your child’s vision as well as their ears, nose, throat, and abdomen, and she’ll listen to their heartbeat and breathing. To assess their body for sports play, she’ll also check your child’s reflexes, posture, joints, and flexibility.
Usually, a sports physical is the same for boys and girls, but the doctor may ask gender-specific questions if your child is near or has gone through puberty.
How a sports physical exams helps
A sports physical can be a time where a health problem that interferes with play can be identified. If you’re already aware of such a condition, the sports physical offers a time for Dr. Khan to provide additional support – such as a change in medication or treatment – so your child can successfully play.
Dr. Khan may also provide training tips that can help your child avoid injury, especially if they play a sport that involves known risks. She can help girls avoid the female athlete triad, where excessive training and performance pressure can lead to poor nutrition, irregular menses, and risk of poor bone density development.
When your child doesn’t get clearance
It’s possible for your child to be deemed unfit to play their sport. This is rare, but usually due to medical concerns about a recent injury, such as a concussion or stress fracture. Hernias, heart murmurs, or uncontrolled asthma can also keep your child from passing their sports physical. If this happens, Dr. Khan isn’t punishing your child. She’s trying to keep them as healthy and as safe as possible. Plus, she’ll offer the medical support they need to get healthy so they can get back to doing the sports they love.
