Is your young athlete gearing up for the start of a new sports season? Before your athlete hits the field, our team at AFC Urgent Care of South Charlotte wants to make sure you have one important part taken care of first—the sports physical.

Why Is a Sports Physical Necessary?

During a sports physical, a doctor focuses on a child’s health and wellness to determine whether he or she is ready to take part in a sport. An annual wellness check, on the other hand, focuses more broadly on a child’s overall health and wellness and includes age-appropriate milestones.

Therefore, a sports physical does not replace an annual wellness exam. Athletes should expect to need a sports physical and an annual wellness exam every year!

Spring Sports That Require Sports Physicals

• Tennis
• Cross country
• Track and field
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Softball

What Can I Expect During My Sports Physical?

When you arrive for your child’s sports physical, you’ll need to complete the necessary forms, which include information about his or her health and immunization history.

In addition, you want to make sure your athlete is wearing comfortable clothing, as he or she will be asked to perform certain physical tasks to check for concussions, slow reflexes and joint problems, if there are any.

What Doctors Look for in Sports Physicals

• Overuse injuries
• Concussions
• Heart issues
• Breathing difficulties
• Chronic health issues like diabetes or asthma

Does your student need a sports physical? No appointment is needed! Visit our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte location today to get your child’s sports physical out of the way!