Sports Physicals

  • Ensure your child is prepared for vigorous physical activity
  • Gather information on your child’s health and development
  • Watch for potential warning signs of serious illness
  • Meet the requirements of your child’s school, camp, or sports team
  • Identify possible risk factors with a certain sport
  • Receive advice on avoiding injuries


Sports physicals are different from the typical well-child visits because their goal is to be sure your child can safely enjoy sports without risking harm to their body.

Sports Physicals FAQs
  • What is a sports physical?

    Every child or teen who wants to play in a sport or engage in other school activities like cheerleading must have a sports physical or a pre-participation physical examination. They also need a sports physical to clear them to return to their activities if they suffer an injury or become ill during the season.


    The purpose of a sports physical is to be sure your child can safely participate in sports. Suddenly starting high-intensity workouts and engaging in competitive sports can quickly trigger a pre-existing condition or lead to a preventable injury when an exam reveals potential problems early on.


    Although a sports physical may find a condition that prevents your child from participating, in most cases, the examination results guide healthcare decisions. The exam reveals problems that can be treated before your child starts a sport, and shows if your child needs extra training to safely participate.

  • Why is a child’s medical history important?

    Children and parents use a medical history form to provide information about:


    • Chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
    • Hospitalizations or surgeries
    • Past injuries such as concussions, sprains, or fractures
    • Problems with dizziness, chest pain, or breathing during exercise
    • Medications and supplements
    • Allergies
    • Family history of serious illnesses

    A complete medical history helps your doctor determine if your child has a condition that sports activities might trigger.

  • How is a sports physical exam different from an annual checkup?

    The physical exam for sports participation has a different focus than a well-child visit. During a sports physical, a provider evaluates your child’s musculoskeletal health, assessing bones, muscles, and joints for flexibility, strength, and signs of overuse injuries or stress.


    Their provider carefully examines concerns that could reappear during sports activities, such as previous fractures, sprains, concussions, skin infections, a past history of pain or dizziness, and chronic health conditions.


    An existing condition does not always prevent a child from playing sports, but it may mean that they need help to accommodate their activity.


    If your child needs any type of physical, call our office at (305) 853-0558.

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