Sports Physicals

 

Sports Physicals IN OMAHA, NE

Many school and recreation sports require a pre-participation physical which is important to ensure your child is healthy and ready for the season. We are trained in recognizing any issues that might prevent your child from fully participating in the sport.

If your child is getting ready to play a sport and needs a physical, contact us today!

Kids playing soccer. One kid in red is getting ready to kick the ball.

What is a pre-participation exam?

This exam will determine whether it's safe or healthy for your child to participate, practice, and compete in their chosen sport. Many school districts in the United States require an annual physical to play sports. Even if your child's school doesn't require a sports physical, doctors recommend getting an annual physical exam to check your child's health.

Another reason for this exam is to prevent potential injuries, which can be detected and avoided through careful screening. It is important to ensure your child can meet the requirements for their favorite sport.

A sports physical exam has two main parts: medical history and physical examination.

Medical History

This part of the exam includes questions about the following:

  • family history and serious illnesses among family members
  • any health problems
  • medical problems and illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, or COVID-19
  • previous hospitalizations or surgeries
  • allergies
  • past injuries that might put the child at a higher risk of injury, this includes concussions, sprains, or broken bones
  • any kind of medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and prescription medicines

These questions are usually answered in a medical history form and require the parents' help.

Young boy swing the bat during a baseball game.
Teenage boys playing basketball in a gym. One of the boys is shooting the ball and the other is playing defense beside him. The rest of the players are behind them.

Physical Examination

The other part of the exam is usually about the child's physical health, for example:

  • record the child's height and weight
  • vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm)
  • child's vision
  • check the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
  • evaluate the child's posture, joints, strength, and flexibility

What’s Next

If your child needs a physical exam for their school sport, you can schedule an appointment with us. We will ensure your child is truly ready to participate and compete in their favorite school team sport without the risk of injury. 

We will do a thorough history and exam assessment and develop a plan for your child if needed. We will do our best to answer any questions you may have so you can feel confident in the results and upcoming steps in your child's sports journey. We are serious about preventative medicine to maintain an active life and optimal health.

If your child passes the exam, they'll be given medical clearance to participate in their chosen sport, which means they are safe to train and compete. If we find your child is injured, they may require rehabilitation before they can practice. We can help create a physical therapy plan to ensure your kid is ready to start or return to a sport, all while rebuilding strength and improving their performance.

Sports physicals are usually good for one year. If there are any changes in their health history, like a new injury or new symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor to ensure they are still safe to play, even if the year hasn't finished yet.

If you have any questions about this assessment or want to book an appointment, do not hesitate to contact us. It is recommended to have the sports physical performed at least six to eight weeks before the sports season begins. Do not leave it for the last minute!