Sports Physicals for Students in Omaha, Nebraska
Many parents take their kids in for a sports physical or preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) because it’s a requirement to participate in sports. While parents may see this as just another box to check, it’s actually more important than that.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other sports medicine groups recommend annual sports physicals for anyone planning to participate in sports. These physicals ensure that individuals can safely participate in sports and other activities. State laws also require students to have undergone these physicals before participating in any sports. To ensure you comply, schedule an appointment with Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents. Let us conduct a physical exam to ensure your child can participate safely in sports.
What can you and your child expect from a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is similar to an annual pediatric well visit with some extra questions and a more in-depth physical exam depending on your child’s personal and family medical history. The child and guardian must understand the athlete’s personal and medical history well.
Why does your child need a Sports Physical in Omaha?
Although sudden cardiac arrest and death are rare in athletes, especially kids, they can still happen. During the sports physical, the patient will answer a few questions about their medical history, that could indicate a health problem. The athlete will have their blood pressure checked and will be asked about their personal and family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart murmur, heart infection, Kawasaki disease, and previous cardiac evaluations. These evaluations give the medical provider your medical history and insight on how to proceed with treatment if necessary.
Injury and Health Issue Prevention
It’s almost impossible to prevent musculoskeletal injuries among athletes. During the physicals, the medical provider will ask about previous injuries and the recovery period for those injuries. If you have any musculoskeletal abnormalities like joint swelling and stiffness, discuss them with the medical provider.
Head injuries and concussions are common in contact sports. Even without a previous head injury, concussion-like symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration can still be reported among children and adolescents. Through these questions, the provider gets a baseline assessment of the athlete’s symptoms to prevent over-diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome in those children with such symptoms.
Mental Health and Preparedness
Many young athletes put too much pressure on themselves, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit. The provider will ask the patient questions related to mental health in private and recommend treatment to help them manage the condition they’re dealing with.
The provider will also conduct a head-to-toe physical examination focusing on areas of concern like previously injured joints. Male athletes may wonder whether they must be checked for an inguinal hernia. This isn’t necessary unless they have a history of inguinal hernia or other testicular conditions.
Once the physical exam is over, the medical provider will inform the athlete whether they can participate in sports or need further evaluation. Most athletes are cleared without any restrictions. Even athletes with serious conditions such as heart disease get cleared, although they may have to see a specialist for official clearance.
There is no better time than summer to complete your child’s sports physical. Since these physicals are billed under your child’s annual physical, they will be covered 100% as preventative care with participating insurance plans. Exams need to be completed on or after May 1st to be accepted for the following school year. Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents has all the recommended childhood vaccinations to get your child updated when needed. Schedule your appointment now.
