Sports Physicals – Don’t Rush This Important Process For Your Young and Growing Athlete

Sports Physicals – Don’t Rush This Important Process For Your Young and Growing Athlete

by | Feb 6, 2025 | Research & Innovation

Although schools and sports organizations often require physicals annually, it is frequently overlooked until the last minute. Shane M. Miller, M.D., FAAP, sports medicine physician and the Section Director of Medical Sports Medicine at Scottish Rite for Children, shares his thoughts on the pre-participation evaluation (PPE) in the following article.

Dr. Miller suggests to follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, urging families to schedule an appointment with the child’s primary care provider at least six weeks before the season. To prepare for this apppointment, families can discuss the following topics prior to the visit:

  • Family and child medical and heart-related history and cardiac health
  • Muscle, joint, or bone pain or injuries and pain
  • Eating habits and any desires to gain or lose weight
  • Menstrual cycle frequency and any concerns
  • Use or contemplation of using supplements
  • Changes in sleep, mood, or interest in sports or friends

Learn more about Sports Medicine at Scottish Rite for Children here.

Modern Luxury: Great Scott

Modern Luxury: Great Scott

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Hand Conditions, Press Coverage, Spotlight

Through healing hearts and helping hands, Scottish Rite for Children remains steadfast nationwide and beyond.

By. Jane Humphrey

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional dedication and care Dr. Scott Oishi and his team provide to our son. Every visit to Scottish Rite is one of hope and encouragement and we leave feeling confident Briggs will be able to face any challenges ahead,” –Rachel French, Mother Of Patient Briggs French

“The feeling of being seen and heard, of knowing that you matter, is crucial to the healing process,” shares chief of staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. “At Scottish Rite, we are child-focused. We get down on our knees, look a child in the eye and seek to understand their needs to best serve them. We give children back their childhood.” Having been a treasured staple within the North Texas community for over a century (established in 1921), Scottish Rite for Children continues to soar as a world-renowned leader in treating pediatric orthopedic conditions, and its patients are traveling here from all over the map. “Not only does Scottish Rite have a strong presence in the Dallas community, but it is also known for its excellence in patient experience nationally,” shares president and CEO for Scottish Rite for Children’s Bob Walker. “This year, NRC Health honored Scottish Rite for Children with the Excellence in Patient Experience Award for the eighth time in the nationwide pediatric category. Honorees are recognized for their efforts to consistently deliver outstanding patient experiences.” And, deliver they certainly do—with grace and gusto. From scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, and hip disorders, the compassionate team of experts’ unwavering commitment to children goes beyond the physical sense. They adhere to address three critical pillars for every child— the body, mind, and spirit. Offering a bevy of individualized therapies with inimitable in-house specialists, every child receives a regimen tailor-made to them. An additional component to adding a sense of playfulness to keep children in good disposition, the hospital hosts a myriad of recreational programs and specialized sports. With three locations within North Texas, the Dallas location is the largest—871,000 square feet perched on 15 acres of land.


“When a patient’s family arrives, their every observation and interaction is an opportunity for us to show how much we care,” notes Walker. “As they approach, they notice the colorful playground and the lush, green lawn. It is not uncommon to get a wave from our amazing grounds crew or help to cross the street from one of our friendly security officers. Inside, the aroma of popcorn fills the air, and our visitors receive a warm welcome from volunteers around every corner. By the time patient families check-in, we hope they feel welcomed and have a sense of peace, safety and assurance that they are in the right place.” For families, the kind of care provided by the warm-hearted team of experts here is unparalleled.

“We believe how we treat our patients and families characterizes who we are. The children and adolescents we care for are the center of everything we do.” — Daniel Sucato, M.D., M.S.

Read the full issue.

A Parent’s Guide to Contact Sports for Kids

A Parent’s Guide to Contact Sports for Kids

by | Nov 18, 2024 | Sports Medicine

Contact sports can be exciting for young athletes and parents alike. They also introduce an element of danger into the exercise equation. 

Any time a person participates in a physical activity, there’s a risk of injury. However, engaging in contact sports magnifies that risk. If your child participates in this type of athletic activity, following the proper safety precautions is critical.

What’s Considered a Contact Sport?

In a contact sport, players come into physical contact with each other or an object as part of the competition. There’s a risk of contact in nearly all sports, but the risk is higher in some than others. 

In basketball and soccer, for example, children are likely to knock into others athlete as they jockey for the ball. When they’re rebounding, taking a shot or defending on the basketball court, they’re in close contact with others and can accidentally (or otherwise) touch them lightly or with force.

Other sports have an even higher risk of contact. Some sports, such as ice hockey, football and lacrosse, involve techniques that have kids actively running into or making contact with an opponent. Making contact is not incidental in these sports. It is intentional. For that reason, this sports category is sometimes called “collision sports.”

While most contact sports are team sports, some contact is involved in solo activities, such as gymnastics. In that case, an athlete makes contact with the floor or an apparatus rather than a person.

How to Keep Your Child Safe in Contact Sports

To protect your young athlete on the court or field, begin with these basics, which can reduce the risk of sports injuries:

●      Get a sports physical. This specialized medical checkup helps ensure your child is healthy enough to participate in a sports activity. It’s a good idea to have your child have a sports physical before each season, even if their school or team does not require one.

●      Buy the proper protective gear. Every sport has specific equipment, so check with your child’s coaches to see what’s required and recommended. Depending on the sport, this may include a helmet, knee pads, shin guards, padding or a mouthguard.

●      Be sure your child learns the correct technique. Many sports injuries in contact sports occur because somebody incorrectly performed a move. Emphasize that your child should use proper form and follow the rules of the sport.

●      Mix things up. Overuse injuries are common among athletes, particularly young athletes who are still growing and developing. Encourage your child to participate in multiple sports or physical activities that use different parts of the body, which will lower the risk of overusing a specific muscle or joint. Overuse injuries can reduce your child’s range of motion and limit their ability to play at their best.

In addition to these tips, talk with the coaches or even the athletic trainer about other steps you can take to keep your child safe while playing contact sports. There is some risk, but you can also do many things to mitigate that risk.

The Scottish Rite for Children sports medicine team is committed to keeping kids healthy and in the game. Call 469-515-7100 to schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine specialists.

Lillie’s Leap of Faith: From Cerebral Palsy Patient to Future Journalist

Lillie’s Leap of Faith: From Cerebral Palsy Patient to Future Journalist

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Neurology

As soon as you step through the doors at Scottish Rite for Children, patients and their families are immediately embraced by a culture dedicated to fostering lifelong connections. When a patient completes treatment, staying connected beyond their time at Scottish Rite remains fundamental.

Former patient 20-year-old Lillie, of Arlington, describes her care journey as transformative and miraculous. “I’ve found so many friends who were also Scottish Rite patients,” Lillie says. “We’ve been able to bond as patients and as people living with different abilities.” Lillie was diagnosed with Hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), a condition that affects the posture, movement and balance on one side. Her case of CP resulted in a limb difference in her left leg.

Lillie started coming to Scottish Rite in 2021 when she was a senior in high school. Her physician referred her for multidisciplinary care after noticing changes in her walking, a symptom of her limb difference that had started causing foot and ankle pain. Orthopedic pediatric surgeon Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D. performed a surgery called gastrocnemius recession – a procedure that lengthens the calf muscles and tendons. Then, Scottish Rite orthotists designed a custom ankle-foot orthosis to stabilize her ankle and foot. “From buying two boxes of the magical popcorn to updating Dr. Brooks on all the fun things I’m up to,” says Lillie. “Scottish Rite is a miracle to me.” 

The support she received from her Scottish Rite care team would ultimately prepare her for her next journey she would embark on – college. Her entire care team was invested in preparing Lillie’s condition for life at her college of choice, Texas Christian University (TCU). As a parting gift, Lillie received Scottish Rite’s Legacy Scholarship to pursue a degree in journalism and confidently chase her dreams. “Cerebral palsy may sound intimidating at first,” says Lillie, “But just know there’s a community of people with cerebral palsy who are scientists, comedians, journalists and more. We are here, we are brave, we are beautiful and we are limitless.”

Lillie has gone from undergoing surgery to now conquering the world of journalism. She aspires to ask questions about the world and write stories based on the answers, much like her fellow TCU alumnus and role model journalist Bob Schieffer. “To kids with CP, you are perfect,” Lillie says. “The way you walk is perfect, your wheelchair is cool, your leg braces are awesome and your surgery scars are epic! Being who you are is the ultimate superpower, and no one take that away from you.” We can’t wait to see the great things you accomplish, Lillie!