Sports Physicals

Primary Care for children and adults located in Covington Township, PA

Sports Physicals services offered in Covington Township, PA

Sports physicals ensure your child is healthy and fit enough for activities such as soccer, basketball, or football. At Hometown Health Care of NEPA in Covington Township, Pennsylvania, primary care specialist Allyson Favuzza, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, performs head-to-toe sports physicals for children, adolescents, and teens. Call the practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are sports physicals?

A sports physical is a comprehensive exam that assesses your fitness for specific physical activities, such as football or baseball. These exams can help identify health risks that can interfere with your ability to participate in your favorite activities.

While adults on competitive teams often undergo these exams, they are required for children and teens on school and community sports teams.

How are sports physicals different from annual exams?

Sports physicals and annual exams share many similarities but have different goals. An annual physical assesses your health to identify early signs of disease or illness. The exam also looks for factors that might increase your risk of certain chronic diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer.

A sports physical aims to evaluate your health in relation to the sport you play. For example, if your child signs up for a cross-country track team, Dr. Favuzza may look for signs of asthma to ensure they receive the care they need to remain healthy while they play.

What happens during sports physicals?

When you arrive for a sports physical, Dr. Favuzza and her staff record your height and weight before checking your vitals (blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate). Next, Dr. Favuzza reviews your medical history and asks detailed questions about any symptoms you’ve experienced during exercise, such as coughing, wheezing, or pain.

During the physical exam, Dr. Favuzza checks inside your ears, nose, and throat and listens to your heart and lungs. She also palpates your abdomen to ensure proper organ size and placement. Touching your abdomen also helps Dr. Favuzza check for hernias and other sports injuries.

Finally, Dr. Favuzza tests your muscle strength and flexibility. She assesses your gait and movement patterns and your posture and joint health.

What if players don’t pass sports physicals?

If you or your child doesn’t pass a sports physical, Dr. Favuzza may schedule a follow-up appointment for further testing. She can order blood work, imaging scans, or coordinate a visit with a specialist.

After performing additional tests, Dr. Favuzza may prescribe medication, recommend physical therapy, or suggest taking a break from training to ensure you remain healthy and injury-free during play.

Call Hometown Health Care of NEPA today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sports physicals.