Sports Physicals

Services at The Pediatric Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho

Sports Physicals at the Pediatric Center – Idaho Falls and Rigby, Idaho

Ensure Your Child is Healthy and Ready for Sports

At the Pediatric Center, serving families in Idaho Falls and Rigby, we provide comprehensive sports physicals to ensure your child is healthy, safe, and prepared to participate in school or community sports. Our pediatricians conduct thorough examinations for school, club, and recreational activities, giving parents peace of mind and children the confidence to perform at their best.

Families in Eastern Idaho trust our clinics to provide timely, professional sports physicals that meet school and athletic program requirements.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical evaluation, is a medical examination designed to determine a child’s fitness to participate in sports safely. The exam evaluates overall health, strength, flexibility, and risk factors for injury.

Sports physicals are typically required by:

  • Schools for participation in athletic programs
  • Community sports leagues and club teams
  • Summer camps or recreational activities

By completing a sports physical, families ensure their child is in optimal health and ready to participate safely.

Why Sports Physicals Are Important

Sports physicals help identify any underlying health issues that could affect a child’s performance or safety. They provide an opportunity to

  • Detect heart, lung, or musculoskeletal conditions
  • Assess growth and development
  • Review immunizations and medical history
  • Provide guidance on nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention
  • Ensure your child meets school or league requirements

Early detection of potential health concerns can prevent injuries, enhance performance, and promote a safe athletic experience.

Sports Physicals in Idaho Falls

Our Idaho Falls clinic serves students at local high schools including Idaho Falls, Skyline, Bonneville, Hillcrest, and Thunder Ridge. Pediatricians provide thorough physical examinations that include

  • Heart and lung evaluation
  • Vision and hearing screening
  • Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Height, weight, and BMI measurement
  • Review of medical history, medications, and immunizations
  • Guidance on safe training and injury prevention

Scheduling your child’s sports physical early ensures compliance with school requirements and reduces last-minute stress.

Sports Physicals in Rigby

Our Rigby clinic serves Rigby High School students and other local youth sports participants. Pediatricians provide the same comprehensive evaluation, tailored to the needs of Rigby families. This ensures children are healthy, safe, and ready to participate in sports while meeting school and league requirements.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

Step 1: Pre-Appointment Preparation

Bring your child’s medical history, immunization records, and any medications. Completing pre-appointment forms in advance can speed up the process.

Step 2: Physical Examination

The pediatrician conducts a full evaluation including:

  • Heart and lung function
  • Vision and hearing checks
  • Musculoskeletal assessment to detect potential injuries
  • Measurement of height, weight, and BMI
  • Review of past injuries or medical conditions

Step 3: Guidance and Recommendations

After the examination, the pediatrician provides:

  • Clearance for sports participation
  • Recommendations for injury prevention and conditioning
  • Advice for nutrition, hydration, and safe training

Step 4: Documentation

Parents receive official documentation required by schools or athletic programs confirming their child is cleared for sports.

Benefits of a Sports Physical

  • Ensures your child is healthy and ready for sports
  • Helps prevent injuries through early detection
  • Provides peace of mind for parents and coaches
  • Meets school and league requirements
  • Offers guidance on safe training, nutrition, and recovery

Tips for Parents Preparing for a Sports Physical

  • Bring medical records, immunization history, and medications 
  • List any recent injuries, health concerns, or symptoms 
  • Wear comfortable clothing for physical assessment 
  • Ask questions about nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention 
  • Schedule early to avoid last-minute school or league deadlines

Why Local Families Trust Us With Sports Physicals

At the Pediatric Center, caring for kids isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. For years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting student-athletes across Eastern Idaho. We see these athletes not just as patients, but as the future of our community — the runners we cheer for on chilly Saturday mornings, the basketball players we hear about in local headlines, and the kids we’ve watched grow up right here in Idaho Falls and Rigby.

  • We understand the specific forms and requirements for Thunder Ridge, Bonneville, Skyline, Hillcrest, Idaho Falls, and Rigby High School athletics.

  • Same-day and next-day appointments make it easy to meet school deadlines.

  • Our pediatricians look beyond clearance—offering guidance on safety, conditioning, hydration, and injury prevention.

  • We help ensure your child is not only ready for the season, but prepared to stay healthy throughout it.

From the Knights and Bees, to the Thunder, Grizzlies, Tigers, and Trojans, we’re proud to be part of the journey for every young athlete who represents our community. At The Pediatric Center, we’re here to keep them healthy, safe, and ready to shine — this season and every season ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions – Sports Physicals

What is included in a sports physical?

A sports physical includes heart, lung, vision, hearing, musculoskeletal checks, growth measurements, and review of medical history and immunizations.

Do sports physicals have to be done annually?

Yes. Most schools and leagues require annual clearance to ensure ongoing safety and health.

Can sports physicals be done at either Idaho Falls or Rigby clinics?

Yes. Our Pediatric Center provides sports physicals at both Idaho Falls and Rigby locations.

How long does a sports physical take?

Typically 20 to 30 minutes depending on the child’s age and medical history.

Are sports physicals required for school sports?

Yes. Most schools and athletic programs in Idaho require a current sports physical for participation.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Yes. Scheduling ensures timely evaluation and documentation for school or league requirements.

What should my child wear to the sports physical?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for examination and mobility assessment.

Will the pediatrician provide advice on injury prevention?

Yes. Our pediatricians give guidance on safe training, nutrition, hydration, and strategies to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.

Serving Families in Idaho Falls and Rigby

The Pediatric Center proudly serves children and families in Idaho Falls, Rigby, and surrounding communities. Our sports physical services ensure children are healthy, safe, and ready to participate in athletics. Schedule a sports physical today to meet school and league requirements and provide your child with the confidence to perform their best.