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What is included in a sports physical?
Sports physicals include two main parts: medical history and the physical exam.
In discussing the athlete’s medical history, your doctor will ask about past illnesses and injuries, allergies, serious illnesses among other family members and suspicious symptoms such as faintness, dizziness, chest pain or difficulty breathing. The medical history portion of a sports physical can be the most important part of the exam as it helps the doctor identify or diagnose potential problems before they affect the child’s health negatively.
During the physical part of the exam, your child’s doctor will conduct a clothed exam, looking primarily for heart, lung and muscular skeletal problems.
For teenagers, your doctor will review general safety issues, such as depression, drug and alcohol use and personal concerns. Most young adult deaths are due to events that could have been prevented. Your child’s doctor may also bring up other issues that were noticed, such as acne or weight problems, to see if your child would like help in those areas as well.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to accompany children during the exam, especially if it will make your child more comfortable. |
