When your child is gearing up for a new sports season, getting a sports physical is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure they’re healthy and ready to play. As a parent, you may have questions about the process, what to expect and where to go. At BestMed Urgent Care, we understand how busy family life can be, which is why we’re here to answer the most common questions we hear about sports physicals.
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination, is an evaluation that helps determine whether your child is physically ready to participate in sports activities. It includes a medical history review and physical exam. The goal is to identify any health conditions that could make it unsafe for your child to participate in sports.
A sports physical can catch early signs of potential issues like asthma, a heart condition or joint concerns that could be aggravated by intense activity. Schools and athletic programs often require that your child complete a sports physical to ensure their health won’t be put at risk during sports activities.
You don’t have to wait weeks for a pediatrician appointment. BestMed Urgent Care offers convenient sports physicals for kids and teens at all our walk-in clinic locations. Just walk in at a time that works for your family’s busy schedule.
When you arrive at our walk-in clinic for a sports physical, it’s helpful to bring a few important items to make the process go smoothly.
You can also check out our FAQs to make sure you feel fully prepared and confident before your visit.
Our urgent care team will review this information with you and complete any necessary paperwork during the visit.
The provider will start by reviewing your child’s medical history, asking about any past injuries, allergies, family history and ongoing health conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Once that’s complete, the physical exam will begin. This includes checking your child’s height, weight, blood pressure and pulse to establish basic vital signs. From there, the provider will assess their vision and hearing, followed by a check of their heart and lung function. They’ll also evaluate strength, flexibility and joint mobility to ensure your child is physically ready for athletic activity.
For older kids and teens, providers may ask brief questions about mood, stress levels and sleep habits to check their mental health. They may also discuss ongoing puberty development to ensure these changes aren’t impacting athletic performance or causing concern.
If an issue is identified during the sports physical, your provider will talk to you about the next steps. In some cases, it might be something that needs further evaluation or a follow-up with a specialist.
It’s important to remember that a concern doesn’t always mean your child can’t play sports.
Often, it just means taking additional precautions or getting treatment first.
Getting a sports physical doesn’t need to be stressful or time-consuming. At BestMed Urgent Care, we make it easy with our convenient walk-in clinic services. No appointments are necessary, allowing you to check one more thing off your back-to-school list without hassle.
Whether your child is trying out for their first team or is a seasoned athlete, we’re here to support their health and wellness year-round. Visit your local BestMed Urgent Care today to get started.