Sports Physical Exam in Carrboro, NC

In short, all kids from middle school to college benefit from a sports physical each year. All children are athletes, you do not have to play an organized sport to be considered one. Many children will need a sports physical for physically demanding activities they are into like hiking, soccer, hockey, snowboarding, etc. Other children may not be as physically active, but they still get out to play. Regardless of their activity level, all children should get a sports physical from their pediatrician or family doctor.

Sports physicals are more than just a check-in with your family doctor. Sports physicals or well-child visits help to keep your child’s medical records and health history up to date each year. This is beneficial, for when the next sports physical is done, your child’s pediatrician has the ability to identify and treat any medical or bone/joint problems that are commonly seen in children and adolescents who play sports. This ensures your child’s health and wellness are continuously monitored and they stay healthy and active throughout their childhood.

Sports physicals are some of the most important checkups for children, during the examination, your child’s pediatrician will check the following:

● Heart health
● Mental health
● Unique concerns (specifically for female athletes)
● Unique concerns of disabled athletes
● Concussions and head injuries
● Height and weight
● Blood pressure
● Vision
● Lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
● Posture, joints, strength, and flexibility

Most exams will relatively be the same for both males and females, however, if a person has started or already gone through puberty, the doctor may ask specific questions for each individual to make sure they are healthy.

A pediatrician may also ask a few questions you might be caught off guard hearing, including the use of drugs, alcohol, dietary supplements including steroids or other performance enhancers, and weight-loss supplements because these can affect a person’s health.

At the end of the child’s exam, the doctor will either fill out or sign a form if everything checks out okay. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a follow-up appointment or exam, any additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems.

The main difference between a sport and a school physical is a sports physical focuses on the athlete’s health history and physical exam as it only relates to sports and the physical development of the child throughout their childhood in sports. Sports physicals do not take the place of a regular check-up, but they are recommended for children who are active, as it goes into more depth about the child’s activity level and the way their body develops differently from a child who may not be as active.

Each family is different and may choose to go where they feel most comfortable or may be most convenient. Many schools have a doctor or nurse on staff that offers sports physicals, however, we recommend going to your pediatrician like at Family First Medical Group. Having your family’s doctor examine your child for a sports physical is a good idea, as your doctor knows your family and your families health history better than others.

Dr. Yulia Neyman at Carrboro Family Medicine Center offers sports physicals for your children and adolescents in your home. Our experienced team of medical professionals is available to serve you. To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.