During a sports physical, healthcare providers evaluate your child's overall health and physical fitness with a specific sport or activity in mind. This means that the healthcare provider assesses your child's ability to participate in the sport or activity safely and without risk of injury.
For example, if your child wants to participate in basketball, the healthcare provider will evaluate their cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and agility to ensure that they can safely participate in the sport. They may also evaluate any previous injuries or medical conditions that could impact their ability to play basketball, such as asthma or a history of ankle sprains.
The healthcare provider will also evaluate any potential risk factors for injury and provide recommendations for injury prevention, such as wearing proper protective equipment, warming up properly before the activity, and staying hydrated during the activity.
It's important to note that a sports physical is not a substitute for a regular annual well-check or physical examination. While a sports physical focuses on evaluating your child's ability to participate in a specific sport or activity, a well-check or physical examination evaluates overall health and identifies any potential health issues that may impact your child's ability to participate in any physical activity.
During a well-check or physical examination, healthcare providers typically evaluate your child's growth and development, nutrition, immunizations, and any potential risk factors for health issues such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Overall, both a sports physical and a well-check or physical examination are important for ensuring your child's health and eligibility to participate in physical activity. By staying up-to-date on these exams, you can help ensure that your child stays healthy and safe while participating in their favorite sports and activities.