A sports physical is a special examination designed to make sure that a child is healthy enough to participate in sports and other athletic activities. During this appointment, children also have an opportunity to learn about sports safety, preventing concussions, and living a healthier life in general.
During a sports physical, a pediatric nurse practitioner evaluates the patient’s vital signs and performs a physical exam to look for any issues that could pose a danger to the child during physical activity. The nurse practitioner will also discuss the risks and benefits of being involved in athletic activities, and they will provide tips to help the child stay safe and avoid injuries.
Sports teams, schools, camps, and other organizations will require children to have a sports physical before they participate in certain activities. However, even if a sports physical isn’t required, parents should still consider scheduling a sports physical before a child begins playing a sport, attends camp, or participates in any strenuous activity.
If the nurse practitioner notices anything of concern during a sports physical, they may schedule additional testing or a specialist referral before clearing the child to participate in strenuous physical activity.
To ensure that a sports physical is complete before the child begins participating in sports or other activities, parents should schedule sports physicals as soon as they know this examination is necessary to avoid a last minute rush. Parents can schedule a sports physical by calling SportsSafe or scheduling an appointment online.
Sports teams, schools, camps, and other organizations all require annual sports physicals before participation in certain activities. If a well-child exam with a primary care provider has been done, often the primary care provider can complete a sports physical form based on the well-child exam notes. Many schools won’t accept a physical unless it’s done after April 15th. We recommend checking with school to determine their requirements.
Summer is peak sports physical time. Typically, we can offer appointments promptly; however, if unable to get an appointment at the needed time, After Hours Kids is available for evening appointments nightly. Schedule at After Hours Kids here
