Sports Physicals Specialist
-
- Tweet
Smita Tandon, MD
Pediatrician located in Fountain Valley, CA
Sports participation is a great way for your child to stay fit and active. To ensure they are ready for the game, your child should have a routine sports physical. Smita Tandon, MD, and the staff at her Fountain Valley, California, pediatric practice offer comprehensive sports physical services. Dr. Tandon and her team are also skilled in treating a variety of sports-related injuries that are common during high-impact sports. Find out more about the benefits of a sports physical by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.
Sports Physicals
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical, or preparticipation physical, is a highly recommended, and often required, examination for children interested in participating in organized sports.
This type of examination ensures your child is healthy enough to successfully engage in a certain sport. A sports physical also gives Dr. Tandon the opportunity to provide resources for injury prevention and exercises that can improve your child’s performance on the field or the court.
What happens during a sports physical?
During the appointment, Dr. Tandon reviews your child’s medical and family history to ensure previous injuries or illness won’t affect their participation in a chosen sport.
Dr. Tandon then performs a physical examination, noting your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, and temperature. She also evaluates your child’s nose, ears, lungs, and heart to identify any signs of infection or abnormality.
To ensure they are ready for sports, Dr. Tandon tests your child’s:
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Reflexes
- Posture
- Joint mobility
A sports physical is also a great opportunity for Dr. Tandon to address important issues, like drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and steroid use, at an age-appropriate level.
If your child is in good overall health, Dr. Tandon and her team complete any necessary paperwork for your school or sports organization.
If your child has issues, such as asthma, that prevent safe participation in sports, Dr. Tandon can recommend additional treatments. Failing a physical doesn’t mean your child can never play sports, and Dr. Tandon works with you on a treatment plan to get them ready for the next season.
What is my child gets injured playing sports?
In the event your child receives an injury while playing sports that takes them out of the game, Dr. Tandon and her team can help. They offer a variety of services to treat common sports-related injuries, including:
- Cuts
- Sprains
- Strains
- Concussions
As your child recovers, Dr. Tandon can perform a follow-up physical to evaluate when they are healthy enough to return to the game. In the case of bone breaks or fractures, Dr. Tandon can refer you to a specialist for additional care.
If your child plans on registering for sports, be sure to schedule a sports physical in advance. You can contact Dr. Tandon’s office by phone or through the online booking feature.
