Author: Nathan Kiskila, MD
With summer in full swing and fall sports tryouts just around the corner, many families are preparing for one essential requirement: the sports physical. At Marque Urgent Care, we understand that getting your student-athlete ready for their season should be straightforward and thorough, which is why we make sports physicals a priority across all our locations.
Dr. Nathan Kiskila, President of Marque Urgent Care and board-certified physician in Family Medicine, brings years of experience in both urgent care and preventive medicine to help families navigate this important step. Through Marque’s partnerships with local schools and sports programs throughout Southern California–including our HeadStrong concussion management program–Dr. Kiskila has worked closely with student-athletes and their families to ensure safe, successful participation in sports.
We sat down with Dr. Kiskila to discuss everything parents need to know about sports physicals, from what to expect during the exam to when to schedule your appointment. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or trying out their first sport, this conversation will help you feel confident and prepared for the season ahead.
Question: Dr. Kiskila, what are back-to-school and sports physicals?
Answer: Back-to-school sport physicals are a physical medical exam with a medical professional to evaluate whether the student is healthy enough to participate in school-related physical activities. They are often referred to as back-to-school exams because they are typically done at the beginning of the school year and are valid for the entire school year, but they can be done anytime. Ideally, sports physicals should be done 6 weeks before preseason practice begins.
Question: Who needs them?
Answer: Any student who participates in sports should have a physical once a year. It will most likely be required by the school they are trying to play sports with, too.
Question: What do you check and assess during these physicals?
Answer: We assess a lot! Medical professionals check the student-athlete’s vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, to make sure they are healthy enough to participate in sports. We assess the heart and lungs for any murmurs or wheezing for asthma. We evaluate the student’s muscular and skeletal range of motion and perform a neurological exam to check reflexes, pupil dilation, and vision. We palpate the abdomen to assess abdominal organs such as the spleen. We look at the patient’s ears, nose, and throat to check for infections, breathing obstructions, or other issues that could affect performance or be worsened by physical activity. We also review the student-athlete’s personal and family medical history and answer any questions. All of this is because we want the students to be healthy, active, and successful as they participate in their sports.
Question: Are there particular questions that parents should ask the physician during the exam?
Answer: Absolutely! Sports physicals are a perfect time to address both athletic and general health concerns. I encourage parents to ask about their child’s specific sport–questions like, “Are there any injury prevention strategies for soccer players?” or “What issues should we watch for with contact sports?” It’s also valuable to discuss any family history of heart conditions, previous injuries that might need monitoring, or concerns about your child’s growth and development. Don’t hesitate to bring up nutrition, hydration needs, or sleep patterns, as these all impact athletic performance. Take advantage of the opportunity to get personalized advice for keeping your student-athlete health and performing their best.
Question: What occurs after the exam?
Answer: If the medical provider determines that the child is healthy and safe to participate in sports, they will fill out a clearance form for the family to give to the school. If the child needs further testing before they can be cleared to play, the next steps will be scheduled for the second evaluation. The objective is to get the young athlete healthy and fit to participate as soon as possible.
Question: Are there any additional screenings or tests that you recommend before a student-athlete engages in sports activity?
Answer: Yes, it is recommended to get an electrocardiogram, or EKG. EKG is a safe, painless, noninvasive test that lasts approximately 10 minutes. Although EKGs cannot guarantee safety from sudden cardiac arrest and can produce false positives, the latest research and recommendations suggest that an EKG may increase the detection of athletes at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
At Marque Urgent Care, we’re committed to keeping your student-athletes healthy, safe, and ready to excel in their chosen sports. Our experienced medical team understands the unique health needs of young athletes and works closely with families to ensure comprehensive care. To book your child’s sports physical at any of our convenient Southern California locations, visit our website or give us a call at 1-877-MY-DOC-NOW (693-6266).
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.