we’re on your team
every athlete deserves care just for them
At Dayton Children’s, we understand that being a parent or coach of an athlete comes with its own unique set of challenges. That’s why we’re proud to be your trusted partner in keeping your athlete healthy, strong and ready to perform at their best.
Explore these resources to get through the season and keep your athlete at their best:
We understand how injury may impact growth, or how growth might impact rehabilitations. For a growing athlete, it can mean a huge difference in recovery and return to play.
- Young athletes’ bones have growth plates and must be treated carefully to prevent long-term damage.
- During growth spurts, young athletes are more likely to have unique injuries and conditions that our team is trained to handle.
Our U.S. News & World Report-ranked orthopedics and sports medicine teams are specially trained in pediatrics and treat your child like they’re our own. From diagnosis to treatment and rehab, we care for the whole athlete and their unique needs to get them back to doing what they love!
when to be concerned about…
conditions we treat
- Sports injuries (ankle, elbow, hand, wrist injuries and more)
- Fractures
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Scoliosis and other spine conditions
- Orthopedic deformities (clubfoot, bow legs, torticollis and more)
sports physicals FAQs
Getting ready for the season? Your young athlete may need a sports physical. Review our FAQs and schedule one at a nearby Kids Express location.
A sports physical helps make sure your child is healthy and ready to play. It gives the doctor a chance to check for any health concerns that could get in the way of sports, manage health concerns (like asthma), and share helpful tips or exercises to help prevent injuries and keep your child feeling their best!
It’s unlikely a sports physical will keep your child from playing. Most kids are cleared with no issues, while some may need small adjustments like changes to medicine, a follow-up visit, or physical therapy to play safely. The goal of a sports physical is safety, not stopping play, and if a sport isn’t recommended, there are usually other activities your child can enjoy.
A sports physical focuses on your child’s health for playing sports, but regular checkups are still important for overall well-being. If you plan ahead, your doctor may be able to combine both exams in one visit.
Schedule sports physicals at least six weeks before the season starts. This gives time for any follow-up tests or treatment if needed. Sports physicals are usually valid for one year, but you may need a new sports form each season. If your child has any new injuries or symptoms, let the doctor know.
We always recommend calling your child’s primary care physician first to schedule their sports physical. They know your child best and this allows for a centralized record of their complete medical history.
If you cannot get into your child’s physician, the nurse practitioners at Kids Express can perform sports physicals. Sports physicals are available on a walk-in basis or you can save your spot online.
schedule now
Get the care your athlete needs at Dayton Children’s. Schedule an appointment today for fractures, sports injuries, knee or shoulder injuries and more with our pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine teams.
