The spring sports season is starting soon for many communities. Participating in sports is a great way for children to stay active, make lasting friendships, and develop physical skills. However, playing a sport can inevitably bring about a chance for injury. To ensure your child is prepared and qualified for their sport, make sure to receive a sports physical beforehand. This blog will explain what happens during a sports physical and where you can receive one.
AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl provides walk-in sports physicals seven days a week. Our team of medical providers perform physicals that check developmental processes, provide immunizations, and address student athlete concerns. Simply walk-in to the clinic to check-in online to have your sports physical completed today!
What Are Sports Physicals?
Sports physicals are a necessary part of participating in sports. Sometimes referred to as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), sports physicals are medical examinations that determine whether or not an individual is physically fit enough to participate safely in a sport. In most cases, sports physicals are required by schools and athletic organizations to ensure the safety of athletes. The exam is generally required to be completed before the start of the sports season.
During a sports physical, a medical professional will identify any underlying medical conditions that could put you at risk for injury or illness while playing sports. The exam consists of two parts– a discussion of your medical history and a comprehensive physical examination.
Medical History and Physical Examination
A sports physical typically begins with a discussion of your medical history. This may include questions about previous injuries, surgeries, illnesses, medications, or chronic conditions. These questions are important because they give your provider more information on your health background. Some conditions may put you at a higher risk for incurring injuries during sports.
Additionally, a physical examination will be performed that monitors vital signs and overall well-being. If a potential condition is identified, your provider may recommend further testing or lab work. Immediate, acute concerns can be addressed at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl. Our team will guide you through the process for treatment and offer advice on lifestyle changes and supportive care options.
At a sports physical, your medical provider may check for the following:
- Height, weight and BMI
- Vision, hearing and blood pressure
- Ears, nose and throat
- Flexibility, strength, joints, and posture
Where Can I Get a Sports Physical?
While you can have a sports physical performed with your primary physician, urgent care centers offer added convenience to having your physical completed. If the next appointment with your primary care is too far away, consider visiting an urgent care center for your sports physical. AFC Ken Caryl has extended hours and accepts walk-in patients seven days a week. This makes it easier to get your sports physical done on your own schedule! With digital x-rays and labs on-site, our facility is equipped with everything necessary to perform comprehensive physicals and additional treatment if necessary.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for walk-in sports physicals. We accept walk-ins! Visit our clinic for your child’s back-to-school, camp and sports physicals today. We accept many health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about sports physicals, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (720) 818-8010.