Is Your Child Ready for Sports Season? Why Pre-Participation Physicals Matter

Your calendar says midsummer, but fall is just around the corner — and for millions of kids, that means fall sports aren’t far behind. It also means it’s time to schedule a sports physical before the games begin, so your child can stay safe while getting the most from their chosen activity.

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, our team offers comprehensive sports physicals for kids of all ages. Here’s why these pre-participation exams are so important, and why now is the ideal time to schedule one.

The importance of pre-participation physicals

There’s no denying the benefits of physical activity: The body is designed for motion, and kids’ sports are a great way to combine physical exercise with social development, helping kids develop key skills, like personal discipline and commitment, that can spill over into their schoolwork and friendships — and even the demands of adulthood later on.

But for all its benefits, playing sports also involves a certain amount of risk. As a parent, you want to do all you can to reduce that risk for your child, so they can reap the rewards of sports participation while lowering their chances of injury and discomfort.

Pre-participation physicals are designed with two goals in mind: To help your child perform their best and to keep them healthy and safe throughout the season (and beyond). 

So while a sports physical may be required by your child’s school or athletic organization, it’s easy to see that scheduling an exam isn’t just about ticking an item off a checklist — it’s about keeping your child safe and healthy, too.

What happens during their exam

Just like an annual physical, a sports physical begins with a review of your child's personal and family medical history, including any previous injuries, chronic health conditions (like asthma or diabetes), medications, and familial risk factors that could affect sports participation or increase injury risk.

Next, we take your child’s vitals — or their height, weight, blood pressure, and other key measurements — to assess their overall health. We listen to their heart and lungs, test their reflexes, and evaluate their posture, flexibility, strength, balance, and joint function. These evaluations aim to play a central role in injury prevention.

Once those basics are covered, we tailor evaluations to your child’s specific sport and the unique demands that sport places on their body. For instance, sports involving lots of throwing may receive a more detailed assessment of shoulder strength and range of motion.

If your child’s exam reveals potential concerns, we may recommend additional testing, including testing for established risk factors, like respiratory issues or heart function. 

Finally, we provide education and guidance to help your child play a proactive role in their health. This includes advice on nutrition, rest, and the importance of proper warm-ups before practice or competition. There’s also ample time for you and your child to ask questions.

Keep your child healthy and strong

Sports offer children valuable opportunities to stay active, build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and — perhaps most importantly — enjoy themselves. Pre-participation physicals ensure they’re prepared for the rigors of activity, so they can stay healthy and focus on having fun. 

To schedule your child’s physical before the fall rush, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.