How To Get Sports Physicals Near You
Sports Physicals
Ensuring your child is healthy and ready to take on the challenges and joys of school sports starts with a simple yet crucial step – getting a sports physical. A sports physical examination is more than just a formality; it's a vital part of ensuring your child can safely engage in physical activities and school sports.
At New Beginnings Pediatrics in Blacksburg, VA, we understand how important it is for your child to thrive in every aspect of their life, including athletics. During a sports physical, our team thoroughly checks to see if there are any health issues you might not even be aware of. This could be something like a hidden heart problem or a condition that could make physical activity risky.
And if we do find something that needs attention, don't worry. We're here to develop a plan to manage or treat the issue so your child doesn't have to sit on the sidelines. With our board-certified doctors and commitment to the latest pediatric care, New Beginnings Pediatrics stands ready to support your child’s health and athletic ambitions.
Ready to make sure your child is prepared for the sports season? Schedule a sports physical today with New Beginnings Pediatrics. We make booking an appointment online easy, so you can focus on cheering them on, worry-free.
Sports & Medical Physical Exams | Pediatricians in Blacksburg, VA
What to Expect During Your Child’s Physical
When you bring your child in for a sports physical at New Beginnings Pediatrics, our team will make sure we have a comprehensive understanding of your child's medical history and physical health. First, your pediatrician will talk with you and your child about any health conditions, including:
- Prior injuries, like fractures, sprains, or concussions
- Fainting episodes
- Asthma
- Current medications and prescriptions
Your pediatrician will then do a series of physical tests and checks. These will be familiar, as most are performed during annual well-child visits.
- Height and weight: We'll check to see if your child's growth is in line with what it should be for their age and gender. This helps us see how your child is growing and if their development is on track.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure is not just a concern for adults. It can also affect children and could make participating in sports risky, so we'll check your child's blood pressure to make sure it's within a healthy range.
- Heartbeat: We'll listen to your child's heart for abnormalities, as these could signal an underlying heart condition that needs attention before they engage in sports.
- Breathing: We'll also listen to your child's breathing to check for any issues, such as asthma or another respiratory condition that could be triggered by physical activity.
- Abdomen check: We'll also check your child's abdomen for any signs of hernias or other abdominal issues that could be aggravated by physical activity.
- Posture and flexibility: We'll ask your child to do some stretches and movements to check their flexibility and posture. This helps identify any underlying issues that may affect their ability to safely participate in physical activities.
- Muscle strength: We'll ask your child to do some exercises so we can check their strength and make sure they are strong enough for physical activity.
After these tests, if everything looks good, your pediatrician will provide you with a signed form indicating that your child is cleared to participate in sports. If any concerns or issues need further evaluation, we will work with you to develop a plan for follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child really need to get a sports physical?
Many schools in Virginia, as well as the Virginia High School League (VHSL) require a sports physical each year for a child to participate in school sports. The VHSL typically requires this physical to be after May 1 for the upcoming school year.
Even if your child's school or team doesn't require a sports physical, we still recommend scheduling one to ensure their safety and well-being while participating in physical activities. This is especially important if your child has any ongoing health conditions or if there have been any significant changes to their medical history within the past year.
What if my child gets injured while playing sports?
If your child gets hurt while playing sports or being active, get them checked out as soon as possible. Our team at New Beginnings Pediatrics is experienced in diagnosing and treating sports injuries. We will assess the injury and refer you to the appropriate medical professional, such as an orthopedist or physical therapist, for further evaluation and treatment if needed.
What should I bring to my child’s sports physical?
Please bring any forms or paperwork provided by your child's school or sports league, as well as your child's medical history. This could include past injuries, information on ongoing health conditions, and a list of current medications.
How do I schedule a sports physical exam near me?
Scheduling a sports physical examination at New Beginnings Pediatrics is easy! Request an appointment with us online by choosing the best date and time for you and your child. If you're looking for walk-in sports physicals near you, we also offer same-day appointments so your child can get cleared for sports as soon as possible.