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Youth Wrestling

Sports Physical

Don't wait last minute to get your child cleared to play sports!

Womens Softball

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.

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Sports Clearance: Preparing Your Child for Active Participation

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At Thrive Pediatrics, we make getting your child ready for sports simple and stress-free. Sports clearance exams, also called sports physicals, are an essential step in ensuring your child is healthy and ready to safely participate in physical activities. Whether your child is joining their first soccer team or preparing for varsity football, our sports physicals are tailored to meet the unique needs of growing athletes.

Sports clearance is not just about filling out forms—it’s about identifying potential risks and promoting long-term health. During the exam, we evaluate your child’s medical history, assess their fitness level, and perform a physical exam to check for issues like joint instability or cardiovascular concerns. This is particularly important for active kids who may have undiagnosed conditions, such as asthma or heart murmurs, that could affect their safety.

Many parents wonder why a sports clearance is necessary, especially if their child seems healthy. The truth is that some conditions, like undetected heart issues, only present symptoms during strenuous activity. A thorough sports physical can identify these risks before they lead to serious complications. Additionally, our sports physical clearance exams offer an opportunity to discuss injury prevention, proper nutrition, and hydration.

Our clinic provides a child-friendly environment where young athletes feel comfortable discussing their concerns. By scheduling your child’s sports physical at Thrive Pediatrics, you’re giving them the tools they need to excel in their favorite activities. Contact us today to book an appointment and keep your athlete healthy and active.

  • 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.
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