The Importance of Back-to-School & Sports Physicals
As summer winds down and school, sports, and activity forms start piling up, now is the time to schedule your child's sports physical. At Peds Care, P.C. in
Dalton, GA, we've provided
pediatric care to local families since 1989, and every August,
sports physicals become one of the most requested visits in our office.
What Is a Sports Physical?
Every child or teen who wants to play a sport or participate in other school activities, like cheerleading or football, must have a sports physical (also called a preparticipation physical examination). A sports physical is different from a typical well-child checkup. Its purpose is to be sure your child can safely participate in sports without risking harm to their body.
A sports physical helps us:
- Ensure your child is prepared for vigorous physical activity
- Gather information on your child's health and development
- Watch for potential warning signs of serious illness
- Meet the requirements of your child's school, camp, or sports team
- Identify possible risk factors with a certain sport
- Give advice on avoiding injuries
Suddenly starting high-intensity workouts and competitive sports can quickly aggravate a pre-existing problem or lead to a preventable injury. In most cases, the exam simply confirms your child is ready to go. But when it does find something, it gives our providers the chance to treat it, or to guide your child through the extra training needed to safely participate.
How Is This Different from an Annual Checkup?
A sports physical has a different focus than a routine wellness exam. Our providers evaluate your child's musculoskeletal health, bones, muscles, and joints, for flexibility, strength, and signs of overuse injuries. We also review anything that could reappear during activity: previous fractures, sprains, concussions, skin infections, past dizziness or pain, and chronic conditions.
What to Bring
- Your child's insurance card (we accept all Georgia Medicaid CMOs and most private insurance plans)
- Any required sports physical or school forms
- A completed Sports Physical Form, if your school or team requires a specific one
Location
Our office is conveniently located at:
Schedule Your Child's Sports Physical
Don't wait until the week before tryouts — sports physical appointments fill up fast every August. Call Peds Care, P.C. today at 706.278.6628 and get your child ready for a safe, healthy school year.
FAQ
When should I schedule my child's sports physical?
Because sports physicals are in high demand right before the school year starts, it's best to call as early as possible in the summer rather than waiting until the week before tryouts.
Does my child need a sports physical if they had a well-child visit recently?
It depends on timing and requirements. Sports physical forms and sport-safety discussions are already part of several of our standard well visits (ages 12–16). Call our office and we can help you determine whether your child's most recent visit covers what their school or team requires, or whether a separate visit is needed.
What if my child has asthma, a past injury, or another condition?
That's exactly what the medical history portion of the exam is for. Conditions like asthma, past concussions, or previous fractures don't automatically prevent participation — our providers will review your child's history and talk through any accommodations needed to play safely.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring your insurance card and any specific physical form required by your child's school, camp, or sports team. You can find a general Sports Physical Form on our Forms page as well.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept all Georgia Medicaid CMOs and most private insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card to your visit; if we're not a provider for your plan or you're uninsured, you may be responsible for the full charge at the time of service.