As summer winds down and fall sports ramp up, student athletes are lacing up their cleats, strapping on gear, and heading back into practice. But before the games, the drills, and the competition, there’s one important step that every young athlete should take: getting a sports physical.
It might feel like just another form to check off the list, but a sports physical is actually one of the best ways to keep student athletes safe and in the game. Paired with a good injury prevention plan, it can make all the difference in how an athlete performs—and how they feel throughout the season.
Why Every Student Athlete Needs a Sports Physical
A sports physical is different from a regular annual checkup. It’s focused specifically on how well your body can handle the physical demands of sports. Think of it as a head-to-toe look at whether your child is ready to play—safely and confidently.
During the visit, the provider reviews your child’s health history and asks about things like asthma, heart conditions, previous injuries, allergies, or any past surgeries. Then they’ll do a physical exam to check vitals–such as blood pressure and heart rate, examine joints and muscles, and assess flexibility and strength.
Sometimes the visit will uncover something that needs more attention—like lingering pain from a sprain or signs of overtraining. Catching these early can help prevent bigger problems later.
When to Schedule a Sports Physical
Ideally, you should schedule your child’s sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before their season begins. This gives enough time for any follow-up care if something comes up during the exam. But even if you’re closer to the first day of tryouts, it’s still worth getting in—better late than never.
Many schools and athletic programs require a physical before participation, but even if it’s not mandatory, it’s a smart and proactive way to keep your child healthy.
Common Injuries Young Athletes Face
Student athletes push their bodies hard—sometimes harder than they should. With growing bones, busy school days, and high expectations, it’s no surprise that injuries can happen. Some of the most common include:
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- Sprains and strains (especially ankles and knees)
- Concussions from falls or contact
- Shin splints in runners and dancers
- Overuse injuries like tendinitis or stress fractures
- Muscle pulls or joint soreness from lack of recovery time
Not all injuries happen in dramatic moments. Many build up over time, especially in kids who specialize in one sport year-round without much rest or variation.
Injury Prevention: Small Habits, Big Results
Preventing injuries isn’t about avoiding sports—it’s about supporting kids so they can play longer, stronger, and with less risk. Here are some key ways to do that:
1. Start With a Good Warm-Up
Jumping straight into drills or games without preparing the body is a setup for injury. A dynamic warm-up (like light jogging, arm circles, or leg swings) gets muscles ready to move. Cooling down afterward with stretching helps, too.
2. Don’t Skip Rest Days
Bodies need time to recover, especially growing ones. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Without it, muscles and joints don’t repair, and the risk of injury climbs.
3. Encourage Variety
Specializing in one sport too early increases the chance of overuse injuries. Trying different sports throughout the year helps build strength in different areas of the body and prevents burnout.
4. Focus on Form and Technique
Whether it’s the way they run, jump, or lift, using proper form matters. Bad habits lead to strain. Coaches and trainers can help correct mechanics early before they become long-term issues.
5. Fuel and Hydrate
Good nutrition and hydration aren’t just for game day. Kids need balanced meals full of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to recover and grow. And they should be drinking water all day—not just at practice.
6. Use the Right Gear
Make sure shoes fit well and equipment is in good condition. Helmets, pads, braces—all of it should fit correctly and be sport-specific.
7. Listen to the Body
If your child says something hurts, take it seriously. Playing through pain might seem brave, but it can turn a small issue into something serious. Let them rest, heal, and come back stronger.
It’s About More Than Sports
Participating in sports helps kids develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. But to truly thrive, they need to be healthy—not just fit. That’s why regular checkups, early intervention, and open conversations about pain and fatigue are so important.
And when an injury does happen, how we respond matters. Support, understanding, and access to the right care can make all the difference in how a young athlete recovers—and how they feel about getting back in the game.
Helping You Support Your Student Athlete
If your child is gearing up for a new season, don’t wait to take care of their health. A simple sports physical is a smart, preventative step—and one that can help them play safer, perform better, and enjoy the sport they love even more.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards is an experienced Penn Medicine Princeton Health internist who has practiced medicine for over 25 years. She is also the academic director of the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.