Measuring your blood pressure is a routine part of a sports physical. High blood pressure can indicate an underlying health issue, including cardiovascular problems, which may prevent or limit your child’s participation in sports. Monitoring blood pressure helps identify hypertension early on. 

During the sports physical, a comprehensive physical examination takes place. This evaluation entails assessing vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Additionally, the healthcare provider will carefully examine your body systems, including the heart, lungs, abdomen, and skin, to identify any irregularities or indicators of potential health concerns that may require follow-up treatment from a primary care physician. 

After completing the sports physical, your provider will fill out the remainder of the form. This typically includes documenting the physical examination results, noting any health concerns or conditions that may affect participation, providing recommendations for safe participation, including restrictions and modifications, and signing and dating the form to validate it.

This evaluation allows healthcare providers to understand your child’s past and current medical conditions, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family history. Understanding your background enables them to tailor preventative measures and screenings specific to you, ensuring a personalized approach to your healthcare. 

A musculoskeletal (MSK) evaluation assesses an athlete’s joints, muscles, and overall musculoskeletal health during a sports physical. This evaluation helps identify any abnormalities or signs of injury that may restrict participation. It can also detect movement limitations in young athletes still developing their musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. 

Vision and hearing tests are commonly conducted during a sports physical. These screenings evaluate visual clarity and identify potential hearing difficulties. By detecting impairments early, prompt and appropriate treatments can be started, ensuring your child can safely participate in the sports season.