School and sports physicals are an important part of preparing for a new school year or season. Primary care can provide your child with a quick and thorough physical to ensure that they are healthy and ready to participate. Even if your child is healthy, it is still important to undergo this physical to prevent any avoidable injuries or complications.
School and sports physicals are a crucial part of preparing to participate in sports or school programs. Eldridge Family Clinic in Houston and the surrounding area can help. Call us today at (281) 946-1351 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
A school or sports physical is also known as a pre-participation physical examination. Kids registering to participate in school sports or camp programs typically require this examination, but adults like college students or athletes may need one as well. The purpose of this physical is to determine whether a person has the physical ability to participate safely in a sport or program.
Even if a school or sports physical is not required, doctors still highly recommend getting one. These physicals can confirm whether a kid or athlete can safely participate in their activities. They can also help parents find out about and deal with any potential health problems that might interfere with their child's participation in a sport.
Schools and sports programs will typically provide participants with a physical form. Participants should fill out the physical form ahead of time and bring it with them to their examination. This form will include questions about their detailed health history, certifications, consents, and relevant records.
Parents should carefully review their child's medical history questions and answer honestly. They should also think about their health history, family health issues such as heart disease, sudden or unexplained deaths, or family deaths under age 50. These answers will help us screen for any health conditions that may interfere with the participant's ability to engage in school or sports programs safely.
Having school and sports physicals gives kids and athletes the best opportunity for full and safe participation in their respective activities. This examination can help them find out about and deal with health problems that may interfere with their participation. Our team can identify injury-prone areas and suggest tips to avoid future problems or injuries.
This physical exam can help address potential concerns proactively. By reviewing the patient's health records and conducting a thorough examination, we can help them avoid issues that block participation in a sport or activity. Identifying these potential health issues prevents the problem from exacerbating and causing undue pain, injury, or re-injury.
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There are two main parts to school and sports physicals, the medical history assessment and the physical examination. The medical history section of the exam includes a detailed set of questions about the athlete's current and prior injuries and illnesses. It will also have questions about medical problems that may run in the family. This information gives us insight into a patient's current condition and the health issues they may be at risk for in the future.
During the second part of the evaluation, we will thoroughly examine the participant from head to toe, looking into the eyes, ears, and mouth and listen to the heart and lungs. The examination also includes a vision check, arm/leg movement assessment, and evaluation of the neck and back. We will also record blood pressure, height, weight, and pulse. Certain parts of the history or physical exam may receive additional time based on the sport played for sport-specific concerns.
Q. Why is a school and sports physical necessary?
Q. How should participants prepare for a physical?
Q. What are the benefits of school and sports physicals?
Q. What happens during a school and sports physical?
Q. What is the difference between a school and sports physical and a yearly physical?
Although school and sports physicals are important, it does not replace a yearly physical. Although it may seem redundant, a yearly physical is crucial and different from a sports physical. School and sports physicals focus on well-being as it relates to playing a sport. They are more limited than a regular physical but more specific about athletic issues.
On the other hand, yearly physicals assess overall well-being and general health. This examination will include going over the developmental, emotional, and social aspects of health. While sports physicals are different from yearly physicals, both are equally crucial to keeping patients safe and healthy.
Q. When should kids get school or sports physicals?
A. We recommend that athletes complete their physical about four to six weeks before their activity begins. There is some flexibility with this time frame. However, six weeks typically allows the participant to address any issues.
Q. How long are school and sports physicals valid?
A. Sports physicals are typically valid for one calendar year. It is best to check with the school or program to confirm. Some states require the completion of physicals before each sports season.
Q. Does insurance cover school and sports physicals?
A. Most insurance providers will cover one physical each year. A school and sports physical is not the same as a yearly physical. We recommend that parents contact their insurance provider for more information since every plan is different.
Q. Is it possible that my child will not pass their physical?
A. Yes, it is possible to "fail" a physical if a medical concern is present. Possible concerns that can prevent participation include a recent concussion, hernia, undiagnosed heart murmur, or uncontrolled asthma. Our priority is making sure that our patients are safe and healthy, so we will work to make sure that patients get the care they need to participate in their sport or activity.
Q. How long do school and sports physicals take?
A. School and sports physicals typically take about 30 minutes. Our team will do our best to move through the exam efficiently. However, we will make sure to take the time needed to ensure that we meet each patient's needs.
Kids and athletes can receive a thorough school or sports physical at our primary care to ensure their full and safe participation in their respective activities. Eldridge Family Clinic can help. Call us today at 281-946-1351 to learn more about our services.
If you live in the Houston area, call for an appointment in our Houston office.
