At KidsCare Pediatrics we offer comprehensive sports physicals to ensure your child is healthy, safe, and ready to take on the season. Whether your child is playing school sports, joining a community league, or attending a sleepaway or sports camp, a pre-participation exam helps determine whether they’re physically fit to engage in athletic activities.

Our pediatricians specialize in working with children and adolescents, providing thorough, compassionate evaluations that not only help minimize the risk of injuries but also uncover any underlying health concerns that could affect performance. We believe that a strong foundation in health supports strong performance in the field. That’s why we provide personalized guidance to help every young athlete reach their full potential.

We follow a comprehensive sports physical exam checklist to make sure no aspect of your child’s health is overlooked.

Medical History Review

We ask about:



• Past illnesses or health problems
• Hospitalizations or surgeries
• Injuries, including concussions or broken bones
• Family history of heart problems, asthma, seizures, or other conditions
• Dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort during exercise
• Allergies and medications
  

We perform a full-body check, including:

• Height, weight, and vital signs
• Vision and hearing tests
• Cardiovascular and lung evaluations
• Joint flexibility, muscle strength, and posture assessments
• Neurological reflexes and coordination
  

• Based on the findings, we may provide guidance on:
• Injury prevention strategies
• Nutrition and hydration
• Conditioning and sport-specific training
• Restrictions or follow-ups for certain health conditions
• Additional testing or referrals, if needed.

• Complete and updated medical records: Regular well-child visits and sports physicals with your pediatrician ensure your child’s health history stays current.
  
• Specialized knowledge: Pediatricians are trained to recognize and manage both medical and bone/joint issues common in active children and teens.
  
• Vaccination check: Ensures your child is up to date on all school and sports-required immunizations.
  
• Confidential, supportive care: Your child can discuss health and emotional concerns privately.
  
• Holistic wellness support: Pediatricians can counsel on how to increase physical activity and maintain overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends scheduling your sports physical 6–8 weeks before the season starts, allowing time to resolve any health issues. The AAP also discourages mass screenings at schools or urgent care centers, which often lack privacy and access to full medical records.

If your child is seen outside your pediatrician’s office, ensure accurate information is shared with the provider, and request that records be sent to your pediatrician.

Sudden cardiac events are rare but serious. Your pediatrician will:

• Ask about symptoms like fainting or chest pain with exercise
• Review family history of heart disease or sudden death
• Refer to a pediatric cardiologist if needed
  

Pediatricians now screen for anxiety, depression, and stress—especially in high-pressure sports. Early detection and counseling make a big difference in both athletic performance and emotional well-being.

Young female athletes are at risk for the “female athlete triad”:



• Irregular periods
• Low-calorie intake
• Bone density concerns

We screen for these issues to ensure healthy development and long-term strength.

Children with physical or developmental disabilities can still participate in sports. A pediatrician will:

• Recommend safe, tailored activities
• Assist with Special Olympics forms
• Focus on ability, not limitations
  

Children with previous head injuries require specialized evaluation. Your pediatrician will:



• Review symptoms and history
• Provide clearance for safe return to play
• Offer guidance on prevention and protection
  

We offer specialized sports physicals tailored to each activity, including:

• General Sports Physicals
• Football Physicals
• Basketball Physicals
• Soccer Physicals
• Baseball/Softball Physicals
• Track & Field Physicals
• Cheerleading & Gymnastics Physicals
• Wrestling Physicals
• Swimming Physicals
• Sleepaway Camp & Sports Camp Physicals
  

We recommend scheduling your child’s sports physical at least once a year—and ideally, during the summer months, before school starts. This gives ample time for paperwork, additional evaluations, or lab testing if needed.



While some children may need extra visits or follow-up testing based on their medical history, our team will help you every step of the way.

Please call our office to make an appointment. We do not offer walk-ins for sports physicals, as we aim to provide thorough, focused care for every patient.