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:

  • Review medical history 
  • Check height, weight, and vital signs
  • Examine heart and lungs
  • Evaluate flexibility, strength, and joint health
  • Assess vision and hearing

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:

  • School sports teams
  • Club and travel teams
  • Gymnastics, dance, and martial arts
  • Cheerleading and other physical activities

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:

  • School and daycare enrollment
  • Sports participation
  • Summer camps and extracurriculars
  • Annual wellness check-ups

How to Prepare for the Appointment

To make your visit smooth, please bring:

  • Any required school, sports, or camp forms
  • A list of your child’s medications and medical history
  • Your child’s immunization records

You can also download and prefill a health appraisal form here.