What is a sports physical?
By Clint Beaver, MD, Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians

Want to learn more? To learn more about sports physicals, please call: 704-316-SPRT (7778)

Playing sports is a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence and learn to work in teams, but before the fun and games start it’s important to think about keeping kids safe. In most states, including North Carolina, student athletes are required to pass a sports physical each year before participating in sports. A sports physical can help experts identify and develop strategies for addressing health problems that may interfere with sports — or even be dangerous.

In rare cases, sports physicals identify issues that prevent student athletes from participating in sports. More often, however, concerns identified at the sports physical can be addressed so that student athletes are able to play safely. Visit any Novant Health primary care, sports medicine specialist or urgent care location to get a sports physical for your child to ensure he or she doesn’t end up on the bench.

In order to keep kids healthy both on and off the field, it’s important for parents to remember that a sports physical does not replace your child’s annual well-check. The well-check, or annual physical, is a thorough examination of your child’s overall health and well-being that is performed by his or her primary care physician. It includes appropriate developmental screenings and vaccinations. The sports physical, on the other hand, is more focused on musculoskeletal health and will likely include sport-specific information and tips.

For your convenience, many Novant Health primary care physicians can complete both the sports physical and well-child check at the same appointment. To find a physician near you and schedule your child’s sports physical, visit NovantHealth.org/doctor.