Most schools and clubs in Oklahoma require a sports physical to ensure each child is ready and capable of participating in sports. Our providers at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma have extensive experience preparing children for sports.
It’s important to keep in mind that in most cases, a sports physical isn’t used to disqualify a child from playing sports, but rather, it’s used to help them prepare. Most children pass their sports physicals, and very few have serious conditions that prevent them from doing so. With the right treatment, even a child with asthma can enjoy sports.
To better understand the benefits of a pediatric sports physical, read on to learn seven reasons why our providers think your child should schedule one.
A sports physical can provide an opportunity for a pediatric specialist to track your child’s growth milestones.
Children who grow too fast have an increased risk for scoliosis. A pediatric specialist can help reduce the risk for scoliosis if your child experiences a sudden increase in height.
When engaging in sports, girls who are at a low body fat percentage, who overtrain, or who eat diets that severely restrict fat intake can experience amenorrhea, or loss of their period.
A pediatric specialist can instruct your child on nutrition and other matters to help them avoid hormone imbalances that could develop due to strenuous exercise. Boys may also benefit from nutritional advice about building muscle.
A physical exam can help uncover conditions that may not have obvious symptoms. For example, a pediatric specialist may examine your child’s heart and lungs and inquire about any changes in their bowel movements and energy levels.
The use of electronics has greatly increased the need for glasses. Many children may experience headaches that come and go without knowing why.
Headaches can be a sign that your child needs glasses, and an eye exam performed by our pediatric specialists can uncover many eyesight problems.
As part of a sports physical, our pediatric specialists examine your child's muscles, bones, and tendons, and we check for any tense muscles that might benefit from stretching or rest.
Furthermore, many children have posture issues that can impact their sports performance and overall quality of life. Our pediatric specialists can help your child learn how to support their spine with the right exercises and posture changes.
The human body has many parts. Because of this, there are many things that can go wrong. Furthermore, children can favor using certain parts of their body, which could lead to muscle imbalances.
A pediatric specialist can examine your child’s body and make personalized recommendations on how to care for certain muscles to prevent sports injuries.
A bad case of the flu can easily lead to a long break from playing sports and, in rare cases, lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. A yearly flu shot can help your child avoid the flu or lessen its severity.
If your child needs a sports physical, we can help. To learn more, call 918-283-4660 or book an appointment online with Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma today.
