Sports Physicals for Teens in Coppell, Texas
Watching your teen succeed on the court or on the field fills parents with an enormous sense of pride. Participating in sports teaches wellness, personal responsibility, teamwork, accountability, and work ethic. If your teen wants to play sports, then a sports physical is in your future. Sports physicals are essential for making sure that your teen can play sports safely and stay healthy. If your teen needs a sports physical in Coppell, Texas, call Dr. Moemeka at Mark9 Pediatrics today!
What Is a Sports Physical?
In sports medicine, a sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE). The purpose of the exam is to help determine if it’s safe for your teen to participate in the sport of his choice. In Texas, sports physicals are required if your child wants to participate in sports.
When does my teen need a sports physical?
We recommend that your teen gets a sports physical six weeks before the first practice begins. This gives you and Dr. Moemeka time to monitor or treat any health concerns before practice starts.
What to expect during your teen’s sports physical
During your teen’s sports physical, Dr. Moemeka will assess your child’s health, your his medical history, and a physical exam.
Medical History
This part of the exam includes questions about:
- Family illness history
- Personal illness history (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, etc.)
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- Trouble with exertion in the past, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, or respiratory problems
- Current medications your child is on
Your personal and family medical history is a really important part of your teen’s sports physical. Not only does it allow Dr. Moemeka to detect patterns of illness in your teen’s past or in your family, but it also helps her predict possible medical issues in order to take preemptive action.
Physical Examination
During your teen’s physical exam, your Coppell pediatrician will usually:
- Assess any present medical conditions
- Perform a vision examination
- Evaluate your child’s strength, flexibility, joints, and any other structural issues that your teen might be facing
- Evaluate your teen’s heart health, respiratory health, abdomen, and systemic wellness
- Ask questions pertaining to your teen’s sexual health
Dr. Moemeka will also ask your teen questions regarding recreational drug use, alcohol use, or dietary supplements, including sports performance enhancers. Honesty during this part of the exam is vital to your teen’s success on the court or field. As your trusted pediatrician, Dr. Moemeka is not here to judge your teen. Instead, her primary goal is to make sure your teen lives a happy, healthy life.
At the end of your teen’s physical, Dr. Moemeka will fill out and sign a medical eligibility form.
Why Is a Sports Physical Important?
Sports physicals help ensure that your teen is medically fit to participate in sports and allow Dr. Moemeka take preemptive action to make sure that you and your teen are prepared and safe.
Dr. Moemeka can also give you and your teen advice about avoiding injuries, proper nutrition during training, and strengthening exercises to help support your physical progression.
What If There’s a Problem?
If Dr. Moemeka detects an issue or something that is concerning, you shouldn’t be too worried about your teen’s participation. He may require follow-up exams or appointments to monitor his health. However, it is unlikely that your teen will be disqualified from playing entirely. At Mark9 Pediatrics, we want to make sure that your teen can play sports safely, not be excluded from playing.
The Choice for Me and My Teen
At Mark9 Pediatrics, your teen is always our top priority. We believe that raising healthy teenagers truly takes a village, and we are committed to making sure that you have the support your need to watch your teen grow up to be a healthy adult and a successful athlete.
If your teen is ready to get on the field, don’t forget to schedule their sports physical! Call Mark9 Pediatrics today at (972) 325-2005 to schedule your teen’s physical to get him ready for his best sport’s season yet!