Sports Physicals for Youth Athletes: A Parent’s Guide
If you have a child competing in sports, you likely know they must have a sports physical completed every year to play. But what exactly is a sports physical? Why are they necessary? Let Sievers Sports Medicine answer your questions with our youth sports physicals guide!
Why Sievers Sports Medicine? Because we have extensive experience performing sports physicals for student-athletes in the New Maxico area. We understand why they’re important and the many ways they can benefit your child before the sports season kicks into high gear.
So take a moment to review these frequently asked questions about youth sports physicals. Need more personalized guidance? Call our clinic today!
A Guide to Youth Sports Physicals: The Basics
What exactly is a sports physical?
A youth sports physical is a specialized check-up to ensure your child is safe to compete in their chosen sport.
How does it differ from a check-up at the doctor’s office?
Sports physicals are more comprehensive, looking at cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, and mental health. They’re also tailored specifically to athletes.
Why should my child have one performed?
A sports physical offers several great benefits:
- It can catch potentially life-threatening genetic illnesses (like heart disorders) before they become a problem.
- It helps prevent more general injuries by identifying muscular imbalances or improper biomechanics before your child gets going in the season. Catching these concerns early means your child can start working to improve them. As a bonus? They’ll likely see improvements in their overall performance, too!
- It allows your child to talk to a medical expert about proper training, nutrition, and hydration for their needs.
What tests and screens are included?
Here are the areas we generally review during our sports physicals:
- A complete medical history
- A general health exam that includes height, weight, vitals, and blood pressure
- A cardiovascular check-up that involves listening to your child’s heart through a stethoscope.
- Strength, balance, and mobility tests
- Sensory, motor control, and reflex tests
Simple screens for mental health issues like eating disorders or anxiety disorders that can impact young athletes.
A Guide to Youth Sports Physicals: What to Expect
Our youth sports physicals guide would not be complete without letting you and your child know what to expect when you visit our clinic!
For the most part, a sports physical is similar to a check-up at the doctor’s office. However, do make sure you bring an NMAA pre-participation evaluation packet with you to the clinic. This form will include places for you to record your child’s medical history as well as our physician’s notes, and you’ll need to turn it in to your child’s athletic department.
We also recommend that your child wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to the appointment, as this makes it easier for us to run the various movement screens included in their physical.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
We hope this youth sports physical guide has helped you better understand the necessity of an annual sports physical for your child. When the time comes, schedule your child’s physical at Sievers Sports Medicine for a comprehensive assessment that will keep them safe and help them thrive all season long!