The school year will be here before we know it, which means the fall sports season is here too, too.

Before running off to the first soccer or football practice of the season, you need to make sure your child receives their sports physical.

Why does my child need a sports physical?

A sports physical can help identify if the sport is safe for the child to participate in.  During a physical, the physician can detect underlying health conditions that might interfere with participation and can aid with resolving any problems.  The physician performing the physical can also intensify risk factors that are linked to specific sports and provide advice on different stretching and warm-up techniques to reduce risk of injury.

What’s the difference between a sports physical and a regular checkup?

While the two share similarities in that a child’s height, weight, heart, lungs, joints, and vision are evaluated, but sports physical focuses strictly on athletic issues, which standard physicals focus on the child’s overall well-being.

Where can I get a sports physical?

Your child athletic program may require a sports physical to be administered prior to the start of the season.  While your child’s school or athletic program may offer sports physicals, urgent care centers like AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch offer convenient and comprehensive sports physicals on a walk-in basis, seven days a week.

For more information about sports physicals, or other services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 732-222-8000.