Sports Physicals

What are sports physicals?

A sports physical assesses your child’s general health and well-being. It’s a routine checkup designed to identify potential medical issues that could interfere with their ability to exercise or increase the risk of injury. 

What do sports physicals involve?

Sports physicals take 45-60 minutes on average.

First, a Schaumburg Immediate Care provider reviews your child’s medical records and asks about their health and lifestyle, including if they smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol, how often they exercise, and the diet they eat. 

Encourage your child or teen to answer these questions honestly. Their provider won’t judge them, and their responses provide a clearer picture of their general well-being.

Next, your child’s provider completes a physical. They:

• Do a neurological exam and test your child’s reflexes 
• Evaluate your child’s vision and hearing
• Listen to their heart and lungs
• Take vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure 

Your child’s provider also gently presses on their abdomen to check the position and size of their internal organs. Last, your Schaumburg Immediate Care provider orders lab testing, including bloodwork and urinalysis, to screen your child for underlying medical issues like diabetes and kidney disease. 

What happens after my child’s sports physical?

If your Schaumburg Immediate Care provider determines your child is in good health, they give them the ‘clear’ to play sports. This means your child can participate in athletic activities without any restrictions. Your child’s provider completes a sports physical form that you can submit to their school or athletic organization.

If your Schaumburg Immediate Care provider determines your child has a medical condition that increases their risk of problems while playing sports, they make treatment recommendations. For example, if your child has asthma, they might prescribe an inhaler. Or, if your child wears glasses, they might recommend getting prescription safety goggles to wear during play.

How often will my child need a sports physical?

Most children who play sports or participate in other physically strenuous activities need a sports physical once a year. If your little one has a chronic health problem that increases their risk of injury or illness, more frequent checkups might be necessary.

Call Schaumburg Immediate Care today to schedule a sports physical for your child, book your appointment online, or walk in during business hours.