Most states require athletes to get a sports physical once a year before participating. However, even if your child or teen is participating in a park district or little league sport, it’s highly recommended to get them evaluated by a physician beforehand. Sports physicals can detect hidden problems that could put them at risk for injury or impair their performance. One major concern for athletes is a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Usually not fatal, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can however cause sudden death during athletic activity.

An annual physical can also establish a record of health history which can help the physician make recommendations to avoid injury and prevent old injuries from returning. A physician can also detect if a child might be developing conditions like asthma or stenosis that may not reach full maturity until the child reaches adolescence.