It’s that time of year again where children need back-to-school sports physicals. At Papa Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, our Palm Beach Gardens chiropractor has been performing back-to-school sports physicals for many years. Sports physicals are required for participation in sports programs as they allow medical professionals to track your child’s fitness and health.

What Is the Difference between Annual Physicals and Sports Physicals? 

Many people ask our Jupiter chiropractor why their child needs another physical after their annual one with a pediatrician. However, sports physicals differ from annual physicals. An annual physical is any visit to the doctor which looks at a patient’s current health while a back-to-school sports physical focuses on determining if it’s safe for the person being examined to participate in a sport. It also determines if the individual has any health condition that may interfere with athletic performance in the future.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical 

Our chiropractor will ask questions about any possible illnesses, previous illnesses or injuries, and any hospitalizations. During the physical exam, we will measure your child’s height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, joint flexibility, and neurological functions. We will also look at your child’s vision and hearing briefly and check their nose, throat, and ears. This sports physical will allow our Palm Beach Gardens chiropractor to determine if your child’s health and fitness are good enough to participate safely in sports.

Schedule a Back to School Sports Physical in Port St. Lucie Today 

To make sure your child can safely participate in athletics, schedule a back-to-school sports physical with our Palm Beach Gardens chiropractor. The chiropractic professionals at Papa Chiropractic & Physical Therapy will do the necessary work to ensure your child is ready to compete. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (561) 744-7373.