Seven FAQs About Physicals for Sports

With summer upon us, sports physical time is here! The sooner you schedule your sports physical in Hermitage, TN, the better. At Refresh Life Wellness, board-certified physician Dr. Kimberly Collins performs sports physicals for children of all ages. They are similar to annual check-ups, but with added things that relate to whether or not a child can safely participate in the sport of their choice. It’s important to understand that this physical shouldn’t replace an annual physical examination since a child’s health can change dramatically in a year.

What happens at a sports physical?

Annual physicals measure development and overall health while sports physicals are specific to your athlete’s physical health and the sport they chose. They assess whether your athlete is healthy enough to participate. Before arriving at Refresh Life Wellness in Hermitage, TN, we suggest you write down all of your child’s medical history; it may be relevant to the exam. Some things that Dr. Collins will evaluate during each sports physical include:

• Medical history: A conversation about past and present health will be discussed. Depending on each athlete’s history, we can discuss any potential risks.

• Vitals: She will check height and weight, as well as blood pressure and pulse, to verify they are in an acceptable range. If they aren’t, this could signal a heart problem.

• Vision: She may check your athlete’s eyes to determine if they need corrective lenses. This is important as sports involve movement, and the ability to see will affect their ability to stay safe while playing their sport.

• Fitness: We will perform a physical fitness assessment where we look at strength, joint, flexibility, reflexes, lungs, heart, and abdomen to ensure that they are physically fit to participate.

Why are sports physicals important?

Ultimately, sports physicals are the first line of defense against injury. They help us to identify potential risks of injury by thoroughly checking your athlete’s physical health. At Refresh Life Wellness in Nashville, TN, we will evaluate their ability to play based on their current and past health history. It’s hard to know how a body will respond to sports, but this allows us to make a professional decision on the safety and well-being of the athlete participating in the sport of their choice. These physicals also allow Dr. Collins to advise how to avoid injury, like with proper stretching. For those playing a contact sport, it is recommended you have regular check-ups at our office throughout the season.

Seven frequently-asked questions about sports physicals in Hermitage, TN

Parents naturally will have many questions about sports physicals. Here we will explore some of the most asked questions:

1. Can you verify immunizations at a sports physical? We can if you had your immunizations at our office. If not, you will have to contact the doctor’s office where you had them.

2. Can I get a sports physical when I’m missing vaccinations? We highly recommend getting up-to-date with immunization before a sports physical.

3. What do I bring to my child’s sport physical appointment? Bring the required physical form, their glasses or contacts (if applicable), and a list of their medical history.

4. Do I have to be present for their physical? Any minor under 18 must have parental consent to have a sports physical performed at Refresh Life Wellness. A parent must fill out the medical history section of their child’s paperwork.

5. Are a school and sports physical the same thing? No, they are not. A sports physical isn’t as comprehensive as an annual examination, and it should never replace that visit with Dr. Collins.

6. Do I always need a sports physical for school sports? Generally, yes, you do. However, this will depend on each school’s requirements. Ask your athletics department to determine if a sports physical is required and when it must be completed by.

7. Can I get a sports physical without insurance? Yes, you can. We offer affordable rates for those without insurance.

Get a sports physical for your child in Hermitage, TN

At Refresh Life Wellness, board-certified physician Dr. Kimberly Collins provides sports physicals to her patients of all ages. She closely evaluates their health to determine the safety of their participation in a sport. To schedule an appointment for a sports physical, call our Nashville area office today.