Athletic programs offered through school, the park district, or other organizations usually require youth to complete a sports physical before they can compete in athletics. Sports physicals provide an opportunity to ensure kids and teens are healthy enough to safely participate in various sports. The experienced providers at Premier Pediatrics in Brighton, CO, offer sports physicals to safeguard the health of young athletes.

Importance of Sports Physicals

Sports physicals are important for many reasons. They promote safe participation in athletics by ensuring young athletes are in good health prior to participating. Additionally, if any health issues are discovered during the physical, they can be addressed promptly by developing a treatment plan that could still allow for safe participation. For example, a child or teen diagnosed with asthma could be prescribed a portable inhaler they can keep on hand anytime they are playing sports.

Another reason sports physicals are important is that they provide an opportunity to make sure young athletes are current with all vaccinations and immunizations. Sports physicals are also important because they can help detect medical conditions and hopefully prevent sports injuries in the future. Depending on the specific sport, the pediatrician can make recommendations for protective equipment or other precautionary measures, such as wearing a helmet or mouthguard, to prevent certain types of injuries.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

At the Premier Pediatrics pediatric office in Brighton, CO, sports physicals consist of a physical exam to assess current health, as well as a review of the athlete’s individual and family medical history. Several aspects of health are checked during the physical exam, such as vital signs and various measurements. The physical examination includes:

• Measuring height and weight
• Taking blood pressure
• Monitoring heart rate or pulse
• Listening to the lungs and breathing
• Examining the ears, nose and throat
• Testing reflexes and observing posture
• Checking the muscles and joints
• Testing vision and hearing

Sports physicals are more than just a requirement to be able to play sports. They ensure kids are in good health so they can safely participate in the activities they love. To schedule sports physicals for your children, call Premier Pediatrics in Brighton, CO, at (303) 655-1685. For your convenience, we also have a pediatric office in Commerce City.