A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is a comprehensive medical evaluation specifically tailored to assess a young athlete's readiness to engage in sports and other physical activities.What sets a sports physical apart from a routine physical exam? While both types of exams focus on evaluating a child's overall health, there are key differences between a sports physical and a regular physical examination. Sports physicals focus on assessing factors impacting safe athletic participation, including existing injuries, risk factors, and medical conditions. They also evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, discuss sport-specific issues like technique and injury prevention, review previous injuries, and provide clearance for participation based on findings.
Sports Clearance: Preparing Your Child for Active Participation
At Thrive Pediatrics, we make getting your child ready for sports simple and stress-free.
Sports clearance exams (sports physicals) are essential for ensuring your child is healthy and ready to safely join physical activities. Whether it’s their first soccer match or varsity football, our sports physical clearance exams cater to the unique needs of growing athletes. It’s more than just filling out forms—sports physicals help identify potential risks and support long-term health.
What Sports Clearance Involves
We review:
-
Your child’s medical history
-
Current fitness level
-
Physical examination (joint stability, cardiovascular issues, etc.)
Why Sports Clearance is Crucial, Even for Healthy Kids
Identifies undiagnosed conditions like:
-
Asthma
-
Heart murmurs
The Importance of a Sports Physical
Many parents ask, “Why is sports clearance necessary if my child is healthy?” Some issues only appear during intense activity—this check-up can prevent serious complications.
Opportunity to talk about:
-
Injury prevention
-
Proper nutrition
-
Hydration tips
Our clinic offers a child-friendly atmosphere where young athletes feel safe discussing their concerns.
-
Is COVID-19 testing available at your clinic?Yes, we offer COVID-19 testing for our patients who meet the criteria for testing based on current public health guidelines. Please contact our clinic to schedule a testing appointment or to discuss testing options for your child.
-
What should I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?If your child tests positive for COVID-19, it's essential to follow the guidance provided by public health authorities. Recently, the CDC has shifted its COVID-19 guidelines toward managing it like other respiratory viruses such as the flu or RSV. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms improve and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours. If asymptomatic, there’s no need to isolate, but wearing a mask and keeping distance from others for five days is recommended to reduce transmission risks. If your child has mild symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or fatigue, you can help manage their symptoms by ensuring they get plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and providing over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Motrin (for infants 6 months and older).
-
When should I seek medical attention for my child with COVID-19?You should seek medical attention for your child with COVID-19 if they experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face, or dehydration. Additionally, if your child has underlying medical conditions or is at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, please contact us for additional guidance.
-
Can my child receive monoclonal antibody treatment or antiviral treatment for COVID-19?Monoclonal antibody treatment is only considered for children who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and meet certain criteria outlined by public health authorities. We do not offer such treatment in our office. As of the current CDC guidelines, the antiviral medications recommended for treating COVID-19 in children include remdesivir and oral antiviral medications such as molnupiravir. These medications are approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19 in certain populations, including those who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms and meet certain criteria outlined by public health authorities. The decision to prescribe antiviral medication is based on various factors, including the child's age, underlying medical conditions, and the severity of their illness.
Why Us?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’re so thankful for Thrive Pediatrics! Dr. Tim and his team are knowledgeable and professional. Scheduling appointments is always quick and easy. The clinic is clean and organized, and we feel our boys are in great hands. Highly recommend Dr. Tim and the team for excellent care!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’ve been seeing Dr. Tim for our 1-year-old and couldn’t be happier. He’s patient, thorough, and genuinely cares about our child's well-being. As first-time parents, it’s reassuring to trust him completely. Highly recommend Dr. Tim for exceptional pediatric care!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We love Thrive Pediatrics! Tim has been our provider for over 3 years. He shows genuine care for our daughters' health, and it's easy to schedule appointments with no wait time. 100% recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’re so thankful for Thrive Pediatrics! Dr. Tim and his team are knowledgeable and professional. Scheduling appointments is always quick and easy. The clinic is clean and organized, and we feel our boys are in great hands. Highly recommend Dr. Tim and the team for excellent care!
Ready to Support Your Teen’s Health Journey?
Book your child's sport physical at Thrive Pediatrics to ensure they stay healthy, active ,and ready to play!