Sports Physicals &
Health Appraisals

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Sports Physicals

At Thrive Pediatrics, we believe that staying active is key to a child’s overall health and development. Our sports physicals help ensure that your child is healthy and ready to safely participate in their favorite sports and activities.

What Happens During a Sports Physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive health evaluation that ensures your child is physically prepared for athletic participation. During the exam, we will:

If needed, we may recommend further testing or provide guidance on injury prevention, nutrition, and training techniques to keep your child performing at their best.

When Should My Child Have a Sports Physical?

Most schools and sports programs require an annual sports physical before participation in:

It’s best to schedule your child’s sports physical at least 6-8 weeks before the season starts to ensure they are ready for action. In addition, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) requires a sports physical to be completed after April 15th for participation in upcoming seasons. You can prefill the form here.

Health Appraisals

At Thrive Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive health appraisals to assess your child’s overall health and well-being and ensure they are  thriving, and ready for new experiences.

What Happens During a Health Appraisal?

Like a sports physical, a health appraisal is a thorough medical evaluation that includes many of the elements above in addition to reviewing and updating your child’s immunizations.

When Should You Schedule a Health Appraisal?

Health appraisals are often required for:

How to Prepare for the Appointment

To make your visit smooth, please bring:

Vision Screens

Good vision is essential for a child’s learning, development, and overall well-being. At Thrive Pediatrics, we offer comprehensive vision screenings to detect potential vision problems early, ensuring your child can see clearly and succeed in school and daily activities.

What Happens During a Vision Screening?

A vision screening is a quick, painless test designed to check your child’s ability to see clearly and detect any early signs of vision problems. During the appointment, we will:

  • Review your child’s vision history to check for risk factors
  • Assess visual acuity (sharpness of vision) using an eye chart
  • Evaluate eye alignment and movement to ensure both eyes work together
  • Check for signs of common vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or lazy eye (amblyopia)
  • Refer to a specialist if more in-depth testing or corrective lenses are needed

If any concerns arise, we will guide you through the next steps, including referrals to an eye specialist if necessary.

Why Are Vision Screens Important?

Routine vision screenings help:

  • Identify vision issues early before they impact learning and development
  • Detect common problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
  • Support school success by ensuring your child can read, write, and learn effectively
  • Prevent long-term vision difficulties through early intervention and corrective measures

Since many vision problems don’t have obvious symptoms, routine screenings are the best way to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy.

When Should Your Child Have a Vision Screen?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vision screenings:

  • During infancy as part of early well-child visits
  • At ages 3, 4, and 5 to check for early vision issues
  • Annually from age 6 onward to ensure continued eye health
  • If your child shows signs of vision problems, such as squinting, headaches, or difficulty reading

If your child struggles with schoolwork, frequently rubs their eyes, or complains about blurry vision, it’s time for a screening.