{"id":1850,"date":"2022-03-21T11:49:01","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T11:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/?p=1850"},"modified":"2022-05-16T11:58:18","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T11:58:18","slug":"sports-physicals-how-often-should-teens-get-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/sports-physicals-how-often-should-teens-get-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports Physicals: How Often Should Teens Get One"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no better way for adolescent children to stay fit and healthy and learn the benefits of teamwork than by playing sports. However, regardless of their sport of choice, be that soccer, baseball, martial arts, track, or something else, the risk of getting hurt is always there. Most common injuries include strains and sprained ankles, but teens can also suffer some more serious issues such as allergic reactions to insects around the field, concussions, and heat strokes. In order to prevent the risk of injuries, preparation is the key. The beginning of the said prep for every sporty teen is a sports physical exam. Thanks to this exam, the doctor checks whether the teen\u2019s body is in good shape for the upcoming sports season and looks at previous medical history to see whether there\u2019s a need for further examination. That said, we\u2019ll go through what they do at a sports physical, and more specifically, what happens at a physical for a girl and a boy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Sports Physical Exam?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For teenagers, starting with medical history is essential when beginning the sports physical exam. It\u2019s rather common for the doctor performing the examination to ask questions about previous injuries, illnesses, and hospitalizations that might affect the teen\u2019s current ability to play sports. The teenager will also have to fill out a questionnaire that focuses on their lifestyle and daily habits, including the use of drugs and alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Do They Do at a Sports Physical?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1852 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical.jpg\" alt=\"Young Woman Doing Exercises Under Physiotherapist Supervision\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting with medical history is essential for teenagers when beginning the sports physical exam. It\u2019s rather common for the doctor performing the examination to ask questions about previous injuries, illnesses, and hospitalizations that might affect the teen\u2019s current ability to play sports. The teenager will also have to fill out a questionnaire that focuses on their lifestyle and daily habits, including the use of drugs and alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some general checkups which means that what they do at a sports physical for guys won\u2019t differ much from what happens at a sports physical for a girl. That said, the<\/span><a href=\"\/worldwide-pediatrics\/sports-medicine-doctor-plantation-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sports medicine pediatrician<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will have to inquire about and check the following conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath and asthma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pains, especially during physical activity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure and heart issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness, fainting, and\/or epilepsy episodes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches and fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating disorders and diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision and skin issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reactions to insects, pollen, or food<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems with kidneys or liver<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries of spine, joints, and bones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous injuries and surgeries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using any kind of meds, be it prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family history of heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the doctor is done checking the medical history of the teenager, they will move onto the physical exam where they will:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the teen\u2019s blood pressure and pulse rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess the condition of the heart and lungs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test neurological functions such as coordination and reflexes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the throat, nose, and ears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine the mobility and joint flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test the teen\u2019s hearing and vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do the weight and height measurements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do screening tests for cholesterol, urine, and hemoglobin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform immunization if necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>What Happens at a Physical for a Girl?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, what happens at a physical for a girl is pretty much the same as what they do at a sports physical for guys. But obviously, there will be some slight differences. For instance, the doctor may change their questions a bit based on whether they\u2019re examining a teenage girl or boy. Therefore, it is to be expected that questions about the menstrual cycle and periods are going to be a part of what happens at a sports physical for a girl. Aside from that, the doctor will definitely have to assess the girl\u2019s dietary habits. After all, dieting and lack of nutrition can also lead to weaker bones. Based on the answers, the doctor will then decide whether to proceed with additional tests and screenings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Do They Do at a Sports Physical for Guys?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1853 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys.jpg\" alt=\"Monitor Showing Ekg Reading of Athlete Running on Cross Trainer, While Medical Specialists Supervise Exercise\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/05\/What-Do-They-Do-at-a-Sports-Physical-for-Guys.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, a big portion of what happens at a sports physical for a girl is the same for boys as well. However, just like the doctor will inspect the girl\u2019s menstrual cycle, they will examine the boy\u2019s genitals. This includes the scrotum, testicles, and penis. Typically, the teenager will have to cough while the doctor is examining the scrotum. Even though it may be embarrassing for a teen, it is a necessary practice that checks for tumors and inguinal hernias.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An inguinal hernia is when part of the bowel\/intestine pushes down from the abdomen inside the scrotum. The issue can be fixed with surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Will the Teenager be Able to Play Sports?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the sports physical exam is complete, the doctor will decide whether the teenager is able to participate in the sports for the following season or not. This decision is made based on several different factors, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The actual sport that the teen plays and its level of difficulty<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The position that the teen plays as well as the competition level in that sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The actual size of the athlete<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of protective equipment that\u2019s being used for that particular sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The option to make the entire practice and playtime safer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the teen is declared perfectly healthy and in good physical condition, they will be given the green light to play the sport. If there are certain concerns, the doctor will suggest specific practices, such as having<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epinephrine_autoinjector\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> epinephrine auto injections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> constantly for adolescents with severe allergies, carrying an inhaler for kids who suffer from asthma, always using adequate protective equipment, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, it rarely happens that teenagers are completely banned from participating in sports after the exam. Even with certain medical conditions, teenagers should be able to play sports if they go for regular follow-ups and take their treatment as instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important for parents to note that even with annual sports physicals, teenagers who actively participate in sports every year should also get a comprehensive physical exam. This is in case the sports physical they typically get doesn\u2019t cover a full health workup. Even if teenagers need to pause their play for the entire year, they should still have an annual exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding the right pediatrician for your child can be challenging, especially since it is so important that both you and your teenage kid have complete trust in your doctor. If your teenage child plans to take up sports, you can always count on the expert team of sports doctors at<\/span><a href=\"\/worldwide-pediatrics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Worldwide Pediatrics in Plantation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Doral, FL. It\u2019s essential that you take your kids for a physical before signing them up for a certain sports activity so that the thorough checkup can provide some insight into the teenager\u2019s health as well as the ideal sport for their fitness, age, and personality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no better way for adolescent children to stay fit and healthy and learn the benefits of teamwork than by playing sports. However, regardless of their sport of choice, be that soccer, baseball, martial arts, track, or something else, the risk of getting hurt is always there. Most common injuries include strains and sprained ankles,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":1851,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[202],"tags":[304,305,306,307,308],"class_list":["post-1850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-physical","tag-sports-physical-exam","tag-what-do-they-do-at-a-sports-physical","tag-what-do-they-do-at-a-sports-physical-for-guys","tag-what-happens-at-a-physical-for-a-girl","tag-what-happens-at-a-sports-physical-for-a-girl"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1850"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1850\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}