Attention, Cleveland Middle and Yates Elementary parents, spring sports are upon us! But before your child can hit the field, a sports physical is required.

Why, you ask? Well, no matter which sport your child plays, there’s always a risk of getting hurt.

So, to avoid getting hurt or sick on the field, court and track, kids need to be prepared, and that preparation starts with seeing a healthcare provider for a sports physical. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team further highlights the importance of sports physicals.

What Is a Sports Physical?

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

Additionally, most states, like Tennessee, actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. We’ve listed the common components of a sports physical below.

Common Sports Physical Components

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Illnesses that your child may have now, such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy
• 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

Will My Child Be Able to Play Sports?

It depends on what your doctor or healthcare provider recommends after the sports physical is over.

Now, granted, it’s rare for children to be barred from playing sports entirely. If there are health complications, most of them won’t prevent kids from participating in sports, but sometimes they’ll need treatment and a follow-up exam in order to play. We’ve listed the common factors that will influence your health care provider’s decision below.

Factors That Influence Healthcare Provider’s Decision

• Type of sport and how strenuous it is
• Position played
• Level of competition
• Size of the athlete
• Use and type of protective equipment
• Ability to modify the sport to make it safer

Don’t know where to go for your child’s sports physical? We offer them at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland, so don’t hesitate to stop by!