Whether it’s at East Hamilton Middle or East Brainerd Elementary, your child will need a sports physical before he or she can dive into spring sports!

Not sure why or what sports physicals even are? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga shares some helpful info on sports physicals.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical (also known as a pre-participation physical examination) is a check-up to assess a child’s health and fitness as it relates to a sport. During the sports physical, your healthcare provider will look for any diseases or injuries that could make it unsafe to participate in sports by reviewing the family’s medical history and requiring a passed physical exam.

For reference, we’ve listed the specific components of the medical inquiries and physical exam below.

Aspects of Sports Physical

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Allergies
• Past injuries, including concussions, sprains or bone fractures
• Whether your child ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Any medications your child is on, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and prescription medications
• Height and weight
• Strength of your child’s heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Your child’s posture, joints, strength and flexibility

Why Are Sports Physicals Necessary?

Sports physicals might feel like unnecessary red tape at times, but they’re actually quite important because they can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child’s participation in a sport.

Even if you know your child like the back of your hand, medical complications can pop up at a moment’s notice, so it’s important to be safe rather than sorry and get a sports physical. If you aren’t sure what would cause your child to fail a sports physical, we’ve listed some typical causes for concern below.

Causes for Concern in Sports Physicals

• Past surgeries or injuries, such as broken bones, fractures, dislocations or concussions
• Heart problems, such as a murmur or abnormal heart rhythm
• Allergies to different bug bites, stings, foods or medications
• A history of seizures

Remember, sports physicals are important, so make sure that your child gets one first! We offer them at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga, so don’t hesitate to stop by today.