Where to go for your kid’s sports physical exam?

Each new sports season for your child starts with a rush to get everything done. There’s new equipment to buy, a sports physical exam to schedule, and a handful of new events to add to your calendar. As if this weren’t enough, you also have to manage responsibilities at work and home. Although it’s incredible to watch your children get involved in something they’re passionate about, it can be a little overwhelming, too. The good news is, you’re not alone. 

With more than 46 million kids signing up for sports each year, there are plenty of parents who are feeling the way you do right now. One of the most important things to do to get ready for the new school year is to schedule your kid’s sports physical exam. The American Orthopaedic Society reports more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger need treatment each year for sports-related injuries. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be avoided. A simple sports physical can help your child avoid injury. 

At Nao Medical, we can help you get the sports physical exam out of the way, quickly and conveniently. Let us walk you through the process, tell you what to expect, and schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. Consider us your new teammate!

What is a sports physical exam?

A sports physical exam proves that your child is in good enough health to compete in a sport. Unfortunately, getting involved in any sport opens up to the possibility of injury. But a sports physical exam helps reduce that risk. 

A good sports physical exam can also give your child the confidence they need to push themselves and reach new goals each season, knowing they are in optimal health.

Most school districts require each student to have a current sports physical exam on file before the start of the season. In most cases, the results must be less than a year old and submitted before the first practice. Check with your school district to make sure you know the exact requirements for your child, but it’s safe to assume that they need a new physical every year.

What is the process?  

At Nao Medical, we make sure the sports physical exam process is both convenient and comfortable. We understand that sports can mean a great deal to young athletes, and the possibility of not passing the physical can be nerve-wracking. We make sure to explain each step so they know exactly what to expect and why they shouldn’t be nervous.

First, we will check your child’s vitals. This means their pulse, blood pressure, height, and weight — all the basic measurements. Any significant physical changes in your child’s body, especially as they’re growing, can put stress on their internal organs as well as their joints and bones. We want to keep an eye on everything to make sure your child is as healthy as possible.

Next, we’ll check their vision and hearing. These are standard tests that ensure your child can observe everything that’s happening around them while they’re in the game. We’ll then check their physical fitness. This includes their lungs, respiratory, and circulatory systems to ensure that they can handle the stress of their sport, week after week.

We’ll look at your child’s flexibility and their skeletal system, making sure to check for any current injuries or conditions. The entire sports physical exam can be done in approximately 30 minutes, including time for any questions or concerns you may have.

Make sure to bring any documentation about your child’s medical history with you for their appointment. It’s important for your doctors to know everything about your child’s health in order to administer an accurate exam.

The Nao Medical difference

Everything outlined above should sound like pretty standard stuff; nothing out of the ordinary for a routine medical physical. So, why should you take your child to Nao Medical for their sports physical exam? Let’s explore some of the reasons.

Convenient

The convenience of our locations is the top reason you should bring your child to Nao Medical. The doctors at any one of our five locations can complete your child’s sports physical exam. Each of our locations are conveniently located near bus and train stations to make your commute seamless.  

Flexible

We keep each of our Nao Medical locations open for extended hours to be more accommodating to your schedule. We know that you are busy. Work and other commitments can make it impossible to pick up your child from school then take them to a sports physical exam during regular business hours. We’re open longer hours during the week and on weekends. Don’t worry about cramming another thing into your busy day. Come see us after work! We’ll be here, ready to help.

Optional brain physical

Most importantly, if you come to a Nao Medical location for your child’s sports physical exam, we can offer you a brain physical as well. A brain injury can cause lasting damage, therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on your child’s brain health. Even if they haven’t suffered a brain injury in the past, a brain physical can help understand their base levels.

Sports-related brain injuries from soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, volleyball and ice hockey are extremely common and go undetected because concussions get missed. After an initial brain exam, our doctors can monitor your child’s progress year after year. They look for minor changes that might indicate an undetected injury. 

The best way to ensure that your child stays healthy is to make preventative care a priority. Therefore, we encourage all of our patients to include a brain physical when they come for a sports physical exam. We guarantee you won’t regret it.
Learn more about your child’s sports physical exam options with Nao Medical. If you have any additional questions about what to expect or how to schedule your appointment, please contact us any time. We’d be happy to answer your questions and set you up with one of our top-quality physicians!