Sports Physicals
At KidsCare Pediatric in New Jersey, 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.
Why Are Sports Physicals Important?
A sports physical – also called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE) – ensures your child is physically and medically ready to participate in athletics. These exams play a vital role in:
- Identifying underlying health issues, including family history, past medical problems, or ongoing concerns that might affect your child's ability to participate safely.
- Preventing injuries by checking your child's physical readiness and biomechanics.
- Managing chronic conditions, like asthma or heart murmurs, to ensure they don’t interfere with activity.
- Providing expert advice on how to stay safe and healthy while participating in sports.
- Tracking your child’s development, strength, endurance, and overall health from year to year.
By scheduling a sports physical at KidsCare Pediatric, parents can feel confident knowing their child is cleared to play and equipped to have a healthy, active season. Now get tested with the best sports physicals near you effortlessly.
What to Expect During a Sports Physical Exam
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
Physical Examination
- 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
Health and Fitness Advice
- 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.
Why See a Pediatrician for a Sports Physical?
Choosing your child’s pediatrician for their sports physical isn’t just convenient – it’s the best way to ensure a thorough, personalized evaluation. Pediatricians know your child’s medical history, track their growth and development, and can provide continuity of care. This helps ensure that sports physicals are not just about clearance but also about your child’s long-term health.
Benefits of Seeing Your Pediatrician:
- 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.
Key Areas Examined in a Pediatric Sports Physical
Heart Health
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
Mental Health
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.
Female Athlete Health
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.
Special Needs & Adaptive Athletes
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
Concussions & Head Injuries
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
Sports Physicals We Provide
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
Scheduling Your Sports Physical Near You
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.
To Schedule:
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.
Important Notes About Forms & Processing
- Please bring all required forms from your child’s school, camp, or sports program at the time of your visit.
- Forms may take up to 5 business days to be completed.
- A fee may be charged for form completion, depending on your insurance and office policy.
- We strive to make this process smooth, timely, and complete—so your child can get on the field with confidence.
Conclusion
Whether your child is playing for the first time or preparing for a competitive sports season, we are here to help them succeed safely. Our pediatricians provide comprehensive care, answer questions, and ensure each child receives the attention they deserve. Book your child’s sports physical today and set the stage for a safe, successful season.
Sports Physical Requirements at KidsCare Pediatric
At KidsCare Pediatric, we provide comprehensive physicals for school sports, sleepaway camps, and sports camps to ensure your child is healthy and ready to participate. Most schools and organizations require an annual physical before participation.
What to Bring:
- Completed physical - Sports forms from your child’s school, camp, or league.
- A list of current medications and allergies.
- Medical history, including past injuries or illnesses.
- Glasses or contacts, if required for vision screening.
What to Expect:
Our pediatricians will review your child’s medical history, conduct a physical exam, and provide recommendations to ensure safe participation.
- Forms may take up to five business days to complete.
- There may be a fee charged for form completion.
- Additional visits or testing may be required based on the findings.
Scheduling
- Call our office to schedule an appointment.
- We recommend scheduling a physical at least once a year, ideally during the summer months before school starts to avoid delays.
Make sure your child is prepared for the upcoming sports season or camp—schedule their physical today!
Get the care you deserve
Contact Kids Care Pediatrics For Healthcare Support.
At Kids Care Pediatrics, we encourage you to contact us whenever you have a concern or question related to your care. You can reach us at:
Colonia, NJ
Plainfield, NJ