Why Sports Physicals Are Essential for Young Athletes

Have a young athlete ready to dive into the world of sports? The team at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, offers sports physicals to help you and your child prepare. 

Importance of Sports Physicals for Young Athletes 

 If your child or teen has decided to play sports, you have likely been told that they need a sports physical to be allowed on the team. This can be confusing, especially if you already take them in for yearly wellness visits. Why do you need yet another physical? The team at White Oak Pediatrics of Raleigh, NC, explains the importance of sports physicals below. 

What Is a Sports Physical, and How Is It Different from a Regular Physical?

 Regular physicals are essential for your child’s overall health. They include checking your child’s health history, mental health, physical health, and more. They also include necessary vaccinations and additional testing, when necessary. The point of these visits is to ensure that your child is healthy overall. 

A sports physical also assesses general health, but the point is to ensure they are well enough to participate in sports. They look for any potential issues that could impact your child’s safety. This includes taking a good look at the musculoskeletal system. 

More attention will typically be given to areas of the body that will be heavily used depending on the sports they play. For example, if your child is playing baseball or softball, their provider will take an even closer look at their arms and shoulders. 

In addition to musculoskeletal health, your child’s general health does play a key role. The provider wants to ensure that organs are in good shape so that an issue like asthma or a cardiovascular issue won’t be aggravated while playing the sport. Therefore, you can expect their breathing, blood pressure, vision, and more to be checked. 

Why Are These Exams So Important?

 This all may seem like overkill for children and teens looking to play school sports and not compete at a professional level. However, even young athletes can be injured or have a condition that can be triggered by intense physical activity. The best way to keep your young athlete safe is to take as many preventative measures as possible. In addition to making sure your child is currently able to participate, your provider can provide any necessary treatment and recommendations to ensure they stay safe and well.

Schedule your children’s sports physicals with the team at White Oak Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, by calling (919) 787-0266 today.