Can I Get a Sports Physical at a Primary Care Medical Clinic?

Wondering where to get a sports physical for your child? Sports physicals are important, as they help to ensure that a child is in good shape before playing a sport. One place to get a sports physical is a primary care clinic.

Are sports physicals available at primary care medical clinics?

Sports physical examinations are also known as preparticipation physical examinations. These examinations are essential when it comes to determining how safe it is for a child to participate in their chosen sport. Most states even require parents to take in their child for a sports physical before they can even sign up to play sports, whether it is purely for fun or for competitive reasons.

What happens during a sports physical

There are two main parts to a sports physical: the child's medical history and a physical examination. It is important for the primary care professional to understand the child's medical history, as this allows them to understand more about their medical past. Examples of what professionals need to know include whether they have any allergies, any past injuries, any medications they may be taking, any serious illnesses among other family members, and whether or not they have ever had any difficulty breathing when participating in strenuous activities.

The physical examination not only involves the professional performing the examination, but they will also ask questions while the child is being examined. These questions are often related to whether or not the child has used any drugs, consumed any alcohol, what their diet consists of, and if they take any dietary supplements. Physical examinations require a child to have their height and weight recorded, their blood pressure measured, their vision tested, their hearts and lungs checked, their ears, nose, and throat checked and an overall evaluation of their posture, joints, strength, and flexibility.

Once the sports physical is over, the professional will either fill out and sign any necessary forms so the child can play sports or the will recommend the parent bring the child in for additional tests. If a follow-up examination is necessary, it is often because the professional deems it necessary to focus on certain areas of the child's health, which needs to be figured out before they are approved to play in their chosen sport.

Preparing for a sports physical appointment

It is important for both parents and children to be fully prepared before going to their sports physical appointment. Parents need to bring the child's medical records, which needs to include their full medical history. Parents also need to bring a list of any medications their child is taking, even if they are over-the-counter medications. Parents are also encouraged to make any notes for the medical professional when it comes to their child’s behavior and overall mood.

Does your child need a sports physical?

Now that it is understood that parents can take their child to a primary care medical clinic in order to undergo a sports physical, all parents need to do is make an appointment. For children who are undergoing their first sports physical, the above information lets them know what to expect.

Get more information here: https://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Manassas at (703) 673-1558

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