Sports Physical and Teens

Despite spending hours in front of tablets and playing video games, an estimated 30-40 million children in the United States continue participating in sports each year. 

At Tots N Teens Pediatrics in Texas, we specialize in providing quality medical care for kids and teenagers and provide sports physicals either when they are required for playing sports or when you want to ensure your teen can participate safely.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A pre-participation physical examination or sports physical is a check-up that assesses a teen's health and fitness levels in connection to playing a sport. During the sports physical, our healthcare practitioners search for any sign of diseases or injuries that could make your teen’s participation in sports risky by evaluating their medical history and performing the required tests.

Where Is a Sports Physical Performed?

A sports physical is usually performed by a pediatrician. At Tots N Teens, our specialists can perform all the required checks and tests and sign the necessary forms for your teen to safely engage in sports activities. 

Sports physicals should not replace an annual physical exam by your teen's physician.

When Is a Sports Physical Done?

Ideally, you should schedule the exam 6 to 8 weeks before the start of the sports season. That way, if the doctor needs to treat a condition, refer you to a specialist, or do a follow-up exam, your teen will have plenty of time to be cleared to play.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical at Tots N Teens?

Our dedicated healthcare professionals will assess your teen’s complete medical history including any illness, hospitalizations, or injuries that may prevent them from participating in sports or limit the amount of exercise they should engage in. 

You will be requested to fill in a health history form as well as a questionnaire on daily routines and lifestyle choices, such as:

• Asthma 
• Shortness of breath/chest pain 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• High blood pressure
• Excess fatigue
• Diabetes
• Frequent headaches
• Eating disorders
• Problems with vision 
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Previous surgeries or injuries 
• Heart problems 
• Bone, joint, or spine injuries
• Liver or kidney problems
• Skin problems
• Use of various medications

The physical exam at Tots N Teens is performed by a specialized healthcare professional and includes measuring and examining your teen’s:

• height and weight
• pulse rate and blood pressure
• heart and lungs
• neurological functions like reflexes, coordination, and strength
• eyesight and hearing
• ears, nose, and throat
• joint flexibility, mobility, spinal alignment, and posture

During your teen’s sports physical, additional testing such as blood tests, X-rays, or an electrocardiogram may be recommended.

Contact our specialists at Tots N Teens Texas for more information about sports physicals by calling any of our three locations in Plano, Mesquite, or Forney.