Sports Physicals Specialist

Why should my child have a sports physical?

A sports physical helps Dr. Castillo ensure a certain sport is safe for your child to participate in based on their existing health.

In many cases, sports organizations require that your child undergo a physical prior to registration to confirm they are in good health and able to fully participate in the game. Even if the chosen sport doesn’t require the physical exam, Dr. Castillo recommends scheduling one for your own peace of mind.

In addition to a full physical examination, Dr. Castillo can discuss specific issues with your child in an age-appropriate way, such as the dangers of drugs, alcohol, or weight-loss supplements for enhancing sports performance.

To help enhance your child’s performance in the game, Dr. Castillo may provide training tips, such as at-home exercises, dietary changes, and other advice. She can also give you resources to prevent common sports-related injuries and protect your child’s overall health.

What’s involved in a sports physical?

During your child’s sports physical appointment, Dr. Castillo first reviews their medical history and current health conditions. She also discusses their family health history with you to discover if any hereditary conditions run in your family, such as diabetes or asthma.

After a thorough review of information, Dr. Castillo performs a full physical exam. She measures their height, weight, and blood pressure and evaluates the health of their ear, nose, and throat. She also checks your child’s heart and lungs and feels their abdomen for potential abnormalities in the internal organs.

To gauge your child’s strength and flexibility, Dr. Castillo may ask your child to make certain movements to evaluate the joints and muscles. She also examines your child’s spine and posture.

What if my child doesn’t pass their sports physical?

Following the exam, Dr. Castillo can complete any necessary registration paperwork if your child passes the exam.

If Dr. Castillo identifies any health issues that may affect your child’s safe participation in sports, it doesn’t mean your child can’t play forever. Depending on the nature of the issue, Dr. Castillo creates a custom treatment plan to address the specific problem or can refer you to a specialist for additional treatment.

Schedule a sports physical today by calling Dr. Castillo’s Bayside office directly or using the online booking feature.