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As summer gets closer and Southern California gets ready for another busy sports season, parents in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego are hurrying to schedule sports physicals for their kids.
But these checkups are more than just a requirement for signing up — they help keep your child safe while playing. Sports physicals can find health problems in about one out of 10 young athletes and may help prevent serious issues like sudden heart problems in some cases.
For families with kids who play year-round sports, whether surfing, running, or team sports, these check-ups are very important since SoCal’s warm weather and wide range of activities put extra stress on kids and teens.
Read on to learn more about why sports physicals are so important and where to find the best and most affordable sports check-ups in Southern California.
What Is a Sports Physical and Why Is It Important?
A sports physical is a thorough health assessment designed to evaluate if your child is healthy enough to participate in sports activities. During this exam, a doctor will:
- Review your child’s medical history
- Check their vital signs
- Assess their height and weight
- Listen to their heart and lungs
- Test their vision
- Evaluate their strength and flexibility
- Screen them for any health issues
These check-ups are important for identifying health concerns that might otherwise go undetected in everyday life but could pose serious risks during physical activity. Sports physicals can uncover conditions like:
- Asthma that may require medication before or during exercise
- Heart problems that could lead to cardiac events
- Protect previous injuries that haven't properly healed
By detecting these issues early, doctors can recommend accommodations, treatments, or temporary restrictions from certain activities. This ensures your child’s safety and reduces their risk of injury or health complications.
When and How Often Should Your Child Have a Sports Physical?
Parents should schedule their child's sports physical six to eight weeks before the season begins. This provides enough time to address health concerns, complete follow-up testing if needed, or start treatment plans without disrupting the child's sports.
Most medical experts and school districts in Southern California require yearly sports physicals. Even if your child plays multiple sports across different seasons, a yearly checkup is enough unless your child sustains an injury or develops a serious illness. Many SoCal parents opt for summer appointments to cover the entire upcoming school year's activities.
What to Expect During the Examination
When your child arrives for a sports physical, the doctor or nurse practitioner will typically start by doing a thorough assessment of their overall health, including:
- Talking about past medical history, how they’re doing in school and at home, and what sports they plan to play in
- As a parent or guardian, you’ll need to provide details that your child may not remember, including information about past injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, medications, and any family history of heart problems or sudden death.
- The provider will then record vital measurements, such as your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate.
The core physical assessment includes:
- Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds or heart rhythms
- Examining the abdomen for tenderness or organ enlargement
- Checking ears, nose, and throat for infections that could affect breathing during exercise
- Testing joint flexibility, muscle strength, posture, and movement patterns
Throughout the checkup, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, your child’s healthcare provider will focus on finding any health conditions that may need further testing.
How to Prepare for Your Child's Sports Physical
Preparing before your child's appointment can make your visit a smooth and positive experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Contact your child's school district or sports organization to obtain their specific physical examination forms. Many schools and leagues require their own documentation rather than generic medical clearance.
- Gather your child's medical records, including immunization records.
- Make a list of any previous injuries or surgeries, current medications, and over-the-counter medications they take regularly.
- Have your child wear comfortable clothing, such as shorts and a T-shirt, that allows easy examination of joints and muscles.
- Before the appointment, discuss with your child any health concerns they might be experiencing but are hesitant to mention, such as dizziness during exercise, unusual fatigue, or joint pain.
- Take time to explain what will happen during the examination to reduce anxiety, especially if this is their first time getting a sports physical.
Where to Find the Best Affordable Sports Physical and Sports Injury Treatment in Southern California
Southern California Medical Center makes sports physicals easy and affordable for your family. Our caring doctors take their time with every patient to make sure we are thorough. We also offer clear pricing with no surprise costs, so you know exactly what to expect.
Our flexible appointment times work around your busy schedule, including evenings and weekends. We don't just clear kids for sports; we help them stay healthy with nutrition tips and injury prevention advice. Many families choose us because we truly care about helping kids play sports safely, and we'll never turn anyone away who can't afford to pay. Your child's health matters to us, and we're here to make sports physicals simple and stress-free.
Southern California Medical Center (SCMC) is dedicated to offering low-cost mental health services to adults, teens, and children at six easily accessible locations throughout Southern California:
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Van Nuys: 14550 Haynes St. Van Nuys, CA 91411
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Pico Rivera: 8825 Whittier Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Long Beach: 1627 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
- Affordable Mental Health Services in El Monte: 12100 Valley Blvd. El Monte, CA 91732
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Woodland Hills: 20011 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1002, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364
Ready to see one of our compassionate medical providers for a thorough sports physical exam in the Los Angeles area?
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