The school season is right around the corner, which means it’s also time for fall sports!

Whether your child is signed up to play football, soccer, or track and field, you need to make sure they are healthy before they hit the field, court or track.

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical, is a physical required by most schools or recreational centers that assess the athlete’s health prior to the sports season.  

Here are a few questions you may have about your child’s sports physical. 

What is a sports physical?

A sports physicals is not like a regular wellness/annual exam.  A sports physical is a pre-participation physical that goes over your child’s medical history to identify risk factors to ensure your child is safe to play.  A sports physical reviews your child’s medical history including medical conditions, previous hospitalizations, and past injuries and others.  

Why does my child need a sports physical?

A sports physical is not a simple doctor’s signature that allows your child to play; it’s necessary to make sure they are physically fit to play their desired sport.  A sports physical can help an athlete uncover health problems that might interfere with their participation in a sport.

An example of this would be for a child who has asthma, a physician might prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage for easier breathing during running.  Another example would be if your child faced a previous injury.  The physician can identify risk factors as well as recommend different stretches and exercises to prevent further injuries.

Even if your child’s school does not require an annual wellness exam, it’s always a good idea to make sure your child’s health is fully assessed to uncover underlying medical conditions that may hinder their performance on the field.

Where can I go for my child’s sports physical?

At AFC Urgent Care Stamford, we administer walk-in sports physicals to ensure that your student-athlete is in tip-top shape for the entire season!

Our comprehensive sports physical exam includes:

• Medical history review
• Examination of heart, pulse, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Examination of joint flexibility, posture, and physical strength
• Review and update of vaccinations

For more information about our sports physicals, be sure to visit our walk-in urgent care center, or call us at 203-969-2000.