Preparing Your Child for a Physical

Executive Summary

• Routine physical exams are essential for monitoring a child’s growth, identifying potential health issues, and clearing them for participation in school and sports.
• You can make physical exams smoother by preparing your child beforehand—explain procedures, address fears, and promote open communication.
• Parents are responsible for bringing necessary documentation, including immunization records, completed health forms, and relevant medical history, to ensure a thorough and efficient exam.
• Arrowhead Health Centers offers a supportive environment with experienced, compassionate pediatric providers, providing same-day or next-day appointments to make physicals easy for kids and their families.

Understanding the Importance of Physical Exams

As kids grow, physical exams function as essential checkpoints for their health and development. Healthcare providers can monitor the child’s overall well-being during these exams and catch potential health issues before they become more serious. In general, seasonal sports physicals and annual physical exams ensure children are physically and mentally prepared to take on whatever tasks lie ahead.

Important steps a healthcare provider may take during a pediatric physical examination may include:

• Recording height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
• Checking blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
• Conducting a vision and hearing test
• Assessing posture, joint function, and mobility
• Reviewing medical history

To get the most out of the visit, it is essential to come prepared. The guide below can empower parents to take proactive steps for their child’s health. By implementing some of the exam preparation suggestions below, you can foster a sense of trust and involvement in your child’s health journey.

Educate Your Child About the Purpose of the Exam

The medical professionals at Arrowhead Health Centers typically advise parents to explain why an annual or sports physical exam is important before their child sees the doctor at one of our convenient locations. 

As an adult, you may already understand that regular physical exams are imperative to uncover hidden health issues, track developmental milestones, and offer opportunities for early intervention. However, this information can be challenging to relay to a child. It is important to use age-appropriate language and focus on the positives. 

For example, younger children may respond well to their parents simply stating that the doctor is going to check how strong and healthy their bodies are. On the other hand, older children may be ready to hear more details, including how their check-up gives doctors a chance to make sure they’re healthy and can do everything they enjoy, from playing sports to attending school with their friends.

Regardless of the child’s age, their parents need to let them know it’s okay to feel nervous or have questions. If a child expresses discomfort before the exam, parents should use positive reinforcement to reassure them that physicals are generally pain-free and straightforward.

Explain Procedures They Will Encounter

By describing the steps of a physical examination in advance, a parent can help reduce their child’s fear and build a sense of familiarity with the process. 

Some aspects of a pediatric physical exam that families can expect are:

• The doctor will listen to the child’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope
• The child’s blood pressure will be gauged using a cuff
• In some cases, the child may need to provide a urine sample
• During annual physical exams, some children may receive a vaccine shot, which can cause a quick, subtle pinching sensation

When talking to your child about physical exams, frame the moments above as common and beneficial to ease their anxiety. Children who know what to expect are more likely to arrive calm, collected, and ready to cooperate.

Address Concerns and Anxieties

Every child is different, meaning there isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to alleviate their fears and anxieties. To better grasp your child’s unique, individualized concerns, you should continuously encourage them to share their feelings about the upcoming annual or sports physical exam. 

Some aspects of a physical exam that can be anxiety-inducing for a child are:

• Being examined by an unfamiliar doctor or nurse
• Being briefly physically separated from their parent
• Going through uncomfortable procedures, such as shots or throat swabs
• The use of tools like stethoscopes, otoscopes, or reflex hammers
• Having to go to an unfamiliar medical office
• Removing certain pieces of clothing for tests, which can contribute to embarrassment for some 

Regardless of what is causing their anxiety, it is essential to validate your child’s feelings and offer reassurance. Consider saying things like, “It’s okay to be nervous, but I’ll be there to support you,” or “The doctor is there to help; all they want to do is make sure you’re healthy.” 

If a child has had a negative experience with a school physical or sports physical in the past, their parent should talk through what went wrong and thoroughly explain how this visit will be different.

Gather Necessary Documentation

Parents should double-check that they are bringing all the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth and efficient visit. The following types of documentation may be required for your child’s physical exam; however, you should contact your specific healthcare provider for final confirmation on paperwork requirements.

Completed Health Forms

Suppose a child’s school or sports programs require forms to be filled out by a healthcare provider. In that case, it is the parents’ responsibility to bring it to the physical exam and then submit it to the appropriate party. Some examples of relevant health forms include clearance for physical activity and a summary of the child’s medical history.

Immunization Records

Keeping an accurate, up-to-date vaccination record for your child is crucial. By bringing a copy of your child’s immunization records and school requirements, a medical professional may be able to confirm if the child’s vaccinations satisfy state and school expectations.

Medical History Information

Parents should concisely list their child’s past or ongoing health issues. This list should include relevant surgeries, medications, or allergies. By being transparent about your child’s medical history, a parent can help the healthcare provider make informed decisions about their child’s care.

Encourage Open Communication

A physical exam is an excellent time to teach your child the importance of speaking up about their body and health. 

Some examples of things parents should encourage their child to do are:

• Ask the doctor questions
• Describe any symptoms they may be experiencing, including aches and pains
• Share concerns they might have about physical activity

If children practice the suggestions above, it can be easier for them to build trust with healthcare providers and solidify a foundation for lifelong health literacy.

Schedule a Meet-and-Greet with the Healthcare Team

If your child is feeling especially anxious, you may be able to schedule a brief visit or phone call with the doctor before the physical examination to help. By meeting the staff, seeing the facility first-hand, and asking questions in a low-pressure setting, children may experience reduced fear and uncertainty.

Familiarize Your Child with the Examination Environment

If a meet-and-greet is unavailable, parents may gain similar benefits from showing their child photos of the doctor’s office and discussing the kinds of tools they may see, including stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. Some children may enjoy at-home role-play, demonstrating what might happen during their visit.

With thoughtful preparation, parents can turn a mysterious or intimidating situation into something more predictable and manageable for their child.

Dress Your Child Comfortably

Parents should select or suggest loose-fitting, easy-to-remove clothing for their child on the physical exam day. In turn, it can be easier for the healthcare provider to examine joints and muscles, making the visit go more smoothly.

Parents shouldn’t forget to bring sports gear or glasses if their child needs to demonstrate movement for a sports physical, or if vision is part of their screening.

Stay Supportive Throughout the Process

Your presence during the exam can help ease nerves and show your child that medical visits are normal and nothing to be afraid of. Parents should remain calm and upbeat during the visit, even if their child gets fidgety or upset.

After the visit, parents should talk with their child, unpacking what went well, what they learned, and how their health is doing. Offering praise for their bravery and cooperation can also facilitate future physicals.

Choose Arrowhead for Stress-Free Physicals

Physical exams are crucial for a child’s health—sometimes they are needed for school enrollment or a new sports season, while other times they are just used to stay up to date on wellness milestones. Regardless of the reason for the physical examination, preparing your child ahead of time can reduce anxiety, foster a smoother experience, and guarantee all medical needs are addressed. 

Arrowhead Health Centers can simplify physical examinations, thanks to our welcoming, kid-friendly environment and focus on clarity, compassion, and thorough communication. Our experienced providers can assist with all aspects of your child’s health, from routine school physicals to seasonal sports physicals and beyond. Plus, we offer convenient scheduling with same-day or next-day appointments, 

For a stress-free experience with top-tier care, call 623-334-4000 or use our website to schedule your child’s physical exam at one of our convenient locations in Tempe/Scottsdale, Glendale/Peoria, and Sun City/Surprise.