Get Your Kids Ready for Spring Play With a Sports Physical

We’re right in the middle of spring, and that means it’s time for kids to get outside, join teams, and play their favorite sports! Before they hit the field or court, it’s important to schedule their sports physical.

At Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Melita Tate, MD. — double board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics — and our team are here to make the process easy, thorough, and reassuring, so your child can be ready for an active, healthy season.

Why sports physicals are important

Sports physicals — you might also see these referred to as pre-participation physical evaluations — are about much more than just meeting a requirement for school or a sports league. Sports physicals: 

Ensure your child is ready for sports

Sports physicals ensure your child’s body is ready for the physical demands of sports. Dr. Tate checks important aspects of their well-being, like heart health, joint flexibility, muscle strength, and general fitness, to catch any concerns early and prevent injuries.

For example, if your child has asthma, we’ll review their treatment plan and verify that it’s well-controlled or recommend adjustments to keep them safe and breathing easily during activity. 

We also screen for issues like previous concussions or orthopedic concerns to make sure your child can play safely.

Reduce your child’s risk of injury

Roughly 60% of kids play sports, and while many have injury-free seasons, the reality is that 3.5 million kids are injured each year. While not all injuries can be prevented, a sports physical can help reduce the risk. 

During their exam, we evaluate your child's strength, flexibility, and any history of previous injuries. We may recommend preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard, stretching routines, or modifying certain activities based on your child’s needs, all to help keep them safe while staying active. 

Establish a relationship with our team

Even if your child is healthy, regular sports and school physicals are a smart way to establish care with a trusted provider. Building a relationship with Dr. Tate and our team now helps your child feel more comfortable when they’re sick or need care in the future.

What to expect during a sports physical

During a sports physical at Grassroots Healthcare, you and your child can expect a thorough, caring exam in a relaxed environment. We:

• Review your child's health history and any past injuries
• Check vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
• Examine your child’s posture, strength, flexibility, and joints
• Talk about any specific risks related to the sport your child will play

If your child has underlying health conditions, such as asthma, Dr. Tate can discuss any limitations or activity modifications they may need.

Schedule your child’s physical today

Getting your child's sports physical done early means no last-minute stress before practices begin. It’s also the first step in building a trusted partnership with your child's healthcare team here at Grassroots Healthcare. When they have an illness or injury, they’ll already know they're in good hands.

To schedule an appointment, contact us via phone or online.