Sports Physicals Specialist

Cool Kidz Pediatrics

Pediatrics located in Tampa, FL & Petersburg, FL

Sports physicals are specially designed to identify potential health problems that might increase your child’s risk of an injury when they join athletic activities. The team led by Ananth Pillai, MD, and Lilivette Rolland, MD, at Cool Kidz Pediatrics in Tampa, Florida, offer sports physicals that protect your child, address parents’ concerns, and meet school requirements. To schedule an appointment, call the office, or use the online booking feature today.

Sports Physicals Q&A

What is a sports physical?

The state of Florida requires children and teens to have a sports physical before they’re allowed to engage in athletics. A sports physical is an in-depth evaluation to be sure your child can safely participate in sports without causing potential harm to their health. They’ll also need a sports physical to return to the game after they suffer an injury.

Do I need to explain my child’s medical history?

Your child’s medical history is an essential part of a sports physical. The team at Cool Kidz Pediatrics needs to know about:

Chronic illnesses such as allergies, asthma, or diabetes
Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
Problems with dizziness or breathing during exercise
Medications or supplements your child takes
Family history of serious illnesses, especially heart or lung problems
History of drug and/or alcohol use

Your doctor at Cool Kidz Pediatrics also screens for female athlete triad, a condition that’s frequently found in young women participating in sports. The triad refers to menstrual dysfunction, low energy, and weak bones caused by overactivity and poor nutrition.

How is a sports physical different from a yearly exam?

During a sports physical, your doctor at Cool Kidz Pediatrics evaluates many of the same health markers as they would during a yearly exam. They’ll check your child’s:

Vision
Hearing
Reflexes
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Posture
Height
Weight

However, a sports physical focuses on potential health concerns that aren’t typically included in a yearly exam. Your doctor at Cool Kidz Pediatrics assesses your child’s musculoskeletal health, looks for signs of overuse injuries, and checks the strength and flexibility of their bones, muscles, and joints.

Additionally, your child is carefully examined for previous conditions and injuries that could be aggravated during sports activities, such as:

Fractures
Sprains
Concussions
Skin infections
Episodes of dizziness

An existing condition doesn’t always mean your child can’t play sports. However, they may need to take steps to stay healthy while they’re active. If your child has asthma, for example, they may need to use their inhaler shortly before they start warm-ups to prevent an exercise-induced asthma attack.

If you have questions about sports physicals or need to schedule an appointment, call Cool Kidz Pediatrics, or use the online booking feature.

What we offer

COVID-19 Update: Your health is our greatest priority. We are operating from Mon-Tues-Wed & Frid from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thur from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We offer Telephone Consultations and free Medication delivery to your home.