Sports Physicals

Sports physicals are a great way to ensure your child is healthy and able to perform the activities that baseball, soccer, and other sports require. Set Apart Pediatrics offers comprehensive sports physicals for young children and teens that meet the requirements of schools and sports organizations. Kimberly Dudley, MD, assesses your child’s overall wellness and provides resources to reduce your child’s risk for sports injuries. Call the Decatur, Alabama, office to schedule sports physicals for your kids, or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today. 

What are sports physicals?

A sports physical is a preventive health exam that confirms a child is healthy enough to engage in sports activities. A sports physical also provides an opportunity to identify underlying health issues that may interfere with a child’s ability to safely play a certain sport.

Set Apart Pediatrics offers sports physicals for young children and adolescents. Dr. Dudley completes an evaluation based on the type of sport your child plays and their existing health.

When should I schedule sports physicals?

Schedule a sports physical at Set Apart Pediatrics before your child starts practice for a new sports season, or they plan to play a sport for the first time.

Typically, schools and other organized sports programs require a completed physical as part of their registration process. Scheduling a physical in advance ensures Dr. Dudley has time to complete the exam and provide the required paperwork that verifies your child’s ability to play.

Even if an organization doesn’t require a sports physical, Dr. Dudley recommends that you schedule one for your child to confirm they’re healthy and can fully participate in practice and games.

What happens during a sports physical?

During your sports physical at Set Apart Pediatrics, you can expect Dr. Dudley to review your child’s health history, current health, and your family’s medical history.

She also completes a physical exam to check your child’s:

• Height
• Weight
• Heart rate
• Lung function
• Muscle strength
• Joint flexibility

If your child has an acute or chronic health issue, Dr. Dudley assesses their current treatment and determines if the condition interferes with sports. For instance, if your child has asthma, she may request lung function testing to ensure any treatments your child uses are working well.

Dr. Dudley provides updates and boosters to immunizations that protect against contagious diseases like chickenpox and the seasonal flu. If you have concerns about vaccinations, Dr. Dudley provides information to help you make an informed decision about your child’s preventive care.

If your child gets injured during sports, sick visits and after-hours care are available to prevent additional complications.

Call Set Apart Pediatrics to schedule a sports physical for your child or book a consultation online today.