Physical Exam Specialist

What is a physical exam?

A physical exam is a pediatric visit to check your child’s health and wellness. When an exam is a routine visit that aligns with an established schedule based on your child’s age, the visit is usually referred to as a well-child exam. 

The term physical is sometimes used to describe well-child exams but is also commonly used to refer to specialized exams intended to meet a requirement from a school, sports organization, or other entity. 

What is a school physical exam?

When your child begins school or changes to a new school, a special physical exam is often required. These visits help ensure that kids are healthy enough to attend school and that the proper immunization is in place to prevent the spread of disease. 

Vaccines help your child develop a broad defense against infectious disease. This is important on a personal level, but also provides a public health benefit. When a certain percentage of a population is immunized against a specific disease, that pathogen has a harder time surviving and spreading. This is called herd immunity and is the reason why American children are relatively safe from diseases like polio, measles, and rubella. 

What is a sports physical?

Many schools and sports organizations will require a special physical exam before allowing a child to sign up for sports. These physicals are meant to ensure your child can safely participate in their chosen activity without undue risk of injury. 

A sports physical usually includes many aspects of a well-child visit, including assessments of reflexes, skin condition, posture, and more. Your child’s muscle development and strength might be assessed, and their hearing and vision might also be evaluated. 

In general, the organization requesting the exam will ask for a specific form to be used. This paperwork allows your pediatrician to perform the requested assessments. If any areas of concern are identified during a sports physical, you’ll learn if follow-up testing or care is needed. 

Certain camps, daycares, or community groups can require specialized physical exams prior to allowing a child to participate. While these exams are not always convenient, they should be viewed as yet another chance to check for signs of concern and to keep your child as healthy as possible. 

If your child needs a physical exam, call the office nearest you today to book a visit. Online booking is also available, and lets you find a time that fits your schedule from the comfort of home, any time of day or night.