Sports Physicals
For Student-Athletes in Cook County, IL
One of the best ways for children to stay healthy is to stay active with sports and other activities. Healthonomic Primary Care offers sports physicals to make sure kids stay healthy as they play. These physicals are important exams that ensure each Illinois student-athlete can safely play every year.
If your little one is getting ready for another superstar season, Healthonomic Primary Care can provide sports physicals to clear them for play. Contact us today to schedule your child’s physical!
What to Know Before The Visit
There are minimal preparations for the vast majority of exams. Parents will need to gather and bring all necessary documents/information to the exam. The child will likely only need to bring comfy clothes and any eyewear they may need.
What to Expect During A Sports Physical
A sports physical is a short exam designed to evaluate a child’s physical aptitude prior to playing a sport. Unlike an annual physical, a sports physical is more focused on physical health and ability than mental and emotional health.
In general, sports physicals involve the following:
- Vision test
- Blood pressure and pulse test
- Height and weight recording
- Posture/fitness evaluation
- Organ function checks (heart, lungs, throat, etc)
- Questions on medical history
The sports physical does not take very long, typically only lasting between 20-30 minutes. After the physical is complete, your child is free to go about their normal activities.
Preparing for a Sports Physical
The preparation for a sports physical is typically very minor, often only requiring the child to bring comfy clothes, their eyewear, and prior medical history. It is important for their medical history to be accurate and for all questions to be answered honestly when discussing your child’s health. Our doctors rely on correct information to best inform their evaluation.
The Benefits of Sports Physicals
For millions of kids every year, physicals are just a colossal waste of time. They almost always insist that they are ready to play. But for parents, doctors, and coaches, the sports physical is a useful way to make sure that each child is ready and healthy for their activities.
By conducting a sports physical, a doctor can even recommend ways to prepare for their particular sport. This can help cut down on injury by recognizing which muscle groups are important for each sport and supporting them with smart exercise.
Sports Physicals FAQs
What is the difference between a sports physical and a physical exam?
An annual physical is typically more general than the sports physical. An annual physical checks the development of the child emotionally, socially, and physically. A sports physical is simply focused on physical health and motor skills related to sports.
How often does my child need a sports physical?
Currently, the state of Illinois requires student-athletes to have a sports physical annually if they play sports every year.
Can a regular physical be used as a sports physical?
Regular physicals can only be used as a sports physical for children who are in either 6th and 9th grade. All other students will need a sports physical in addition to their regular yearly physical.
What if my child does not pass the sports physical?
If the doctor doesn’t give your child the initial OK, don’t worry! Usually, the doctor may only need a follow-up check or test to be absolutely sure your child can play safely. It is very unlikely that your child won’t be able to play sports because of a health complication.
Contact Healthonomic Primary Care, Today!
Sports physicals are an important exam to make sure children are healthy as they play. Healthonomic Primary Care offers sports physicals in Illinois to support the children of our community. Contact us today to schedule a physical for your child!
Compassionate Care
We take our responsibility to you very seriously. And when you walk through our doors, you’ll find a team of physicians and staff driven by the impulse to help others.
