School & Sports Physicals in Alexandria, VA
Parents of active children know that each new sporting event typically requires the completion of a yearly physical examination. The board-certified pediatricians at ALL Pediatrics provide school and sports physicals at our pediatrician offices in Alexandria, Lake Ridge, and Lorton, VA.
Learn about physical exams and be sure to contact ALL Pediatrics as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation for any upcoming seasonal sports!
The Purpose of a Sports Physical
It may seem a bit unnecessary to have your child complete a physical exam every single year, but this routine check-up is an essential part of maintaining their health. Yearly physicals are a perfect time to assess how well your kid is developing and can alert you and your pediatrician to any potential problems or medical conditions.
What to Expect During the Exam
Areas of Focus
A sports physical is a unique evaluation that targets unique bodily abilities and functions to determine whether or not it is safe for a child to participate in contact sports. During this exam, your pediatrician will assess the individuals:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Vision
- Hearing
- Height
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Flexibility
- Reflexes
- Bone health
- Strength
- Muscle health
- Breathing
- Joint mobility
Like any physical, your pediatrician will want to check all important bodily systems like the heart, lungs, etc. to make sure that they are in working order and can sustain strenuous activity. This usually involves completing several simple diagnostic tests, including tapping the joints to check your child’s reflexes, using a stethoscope to evaluate their ease of breathing and more.
School Forms
ALL Pediatrics has copies of the Virginia, Maryland, DC and Virginia Sports physical forms in our office. Our providers complete and provide only the physical exam section of the form. If you have a special form, please bring it to the office for completion.
Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form
PWCS middle school sports Form
Health History Questionnaire
It is also standard for your pediatrician to spend some time asking about their patient’s medical history, as this can indicate their risk for various conditions or diseases. For example, a child who has previously suffered a broken leg should be especially careful when engaging in sports like football or soccer. Your physician can also provide expert recommendations to help your child avoid any new or recurring injuries during a game or practice.
Schedule Your Child’s School or Sports Physical Today!
Not only is a sports physical important in regards to your child’s health, but without this simple exam, they will miss out on participating in the many activities that they love all throughout the year. Visit our pediatrician office and make sure that your kids are all set before their next big event, call (703) 436-1200 to schedule an appointment with our pediatric specialist today!