Sports Physical

A sports physical is in order if your child or teen plays sports in school or with a club organization. Board-certified pediatrician Usama Samman, MBBCH, MD, FAAP, provides thorough sports physicals to pediatric patients at ADM Parham Pediatrics in Henrico, Virginia. Sports physicals determine if your child is healthy enough for play and doesn’t have underlying conditions that could put them at risk of injury. Call today or use this website to schedule your appointment online.

Does my child need a sports physical?

Any child or adolescent that plays an organized sport benefits from a sports physical. In many cases, the school or club team requires your child to receive a sports physical before they can play. Even if your child’s team doesn’t require a sports physical, you should schedule one to avoid unnecessary injury and give you peace of mind.

If your child requires a sports physical to play, bring any forms to your appointment for the doctor to fill out that day. Some sports programs require their own specific forms, so inquire with them before your appointment to ensure you have the correct documents. 

Why should my child have a sports physical?

A sports physical can help identify any underlying conditions that could cause a problem during practice or games. For example, asthma or a heart condition could have serious complications during practice and play. When detected early, Dr. Samman can help you devise a plan to manage your child’s health so they can still participate in the sports they love. 

A sports physical is also a time for your child to get tips on how to avoid injury. Dr. Samman may recommend specific flexibility exercises or strength exercises to help with muscle imbalances. 

Girls who have their period or are close to puberty benefit from recommendations on avoiding problems with diet, menstruation, and bone development. 

What happens during a sports physical? 

During a sports physical, the team at ADM Parham Pediatrics reviews your child’s medical and family history. Dr. Samman does a physical exam to check your child’s vision and their ears, nose, throat, and abdomen. He’ll check your child’s lungs and heart, too. 

The physical also includes an exam of your child’s reflexes, posture, joints, and flexibility. 

Will my child pass their sports physical?

Most children and teens pass a sports physical without any conditions. In some cases, Dr. Samman may find a medical condition or inadequate healing from a recent injury that makes sports play inadvisable. Severe asthma, a heart murmur, or hernias can make your child ineligible for play. 

If your child is not cleared, Dr. Samman does everything possible to get them healthy enough to participate in the sports they love. 

Does my child need a school physical?

If your child is entering an elementary school for the first time in Virginia, they’ll need a comprehensive physical like the ones provided at ADM Parham Pediatrics. This means incoming kindergarteners as well as anyone who transfers to a Virginia school in grades 1-5. There is no requirement for a school physical for students in 6-12th grade. 

Call ADM Parham Pediatrics to schedule your child’s sports or school physical today. Alternatively, use the online tool to book an appointment.