Arvada, CO Sports Physicals Near Me

Need a school sports physical before your sports season begins? Swing by AFC Urgent Care of Arvada today. We accept walk-ins & are open daily.

What to Know Before Your Physical

Before visiting AFC, it’s helpful to know any current medical conditions or injuries you have, as well as any medications you are taking. We require a history of immunizations and any relevant medical records. For example, if you have any known cardiac conditions, we require proper documentation from your primary care or treating physician citing that the issue will not hinder your participation in sports. In addition, be prepared to discuss your physical activity level and any concerns you might have regarding your health or your ability to play in your chosen sport.

*AFC Urgent Care can only verify immunizations administered at our clinics or with appropriate documentation showing your vaccination history.

What is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, otherwise known as a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE), is like a check-up that people have to have before they start playing competitive sports. To ensure safe participation, a sports physical will check an athlete’s health and fitness. Typically, the exam will include an overview of your medical history and a physical examination with a series of tests like vision, hearing and heart rate measurements. The results determine whether you can safely play sports and if any additional precautions or restrictions are necessary.

What Does a Sports Physical Entail?

A sports physical generally consists of two main parts: reviewing medical history and conducting a physical examination.

Medical History

This section of the exam involves answering a series of inquiries about previous or existing medical conditions, medications and other health-related matters. We will also discuss family health history and lifestyle habits.

Common topics addressed include:

• Any family history of serious illnesses (like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions)
• Any childhood illnesses you had (asthma, diabetic issues, epilepsy, or seizures)
• History of hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies to medication, food, or insect bites
• Previous injuries (broken bones, sprains/strains, dislocations, or concussions)
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness, or fainting spells
• Any chest pain or discomfort
• Struggling to breathe when exercising
• Frequent headaches
• Heart complications and abnormalities (murmur or irregular heartbeat)
• Liver or kidney issues
• Regular medications (prescription and non-prescription medications and natural or herbal supplements)
• Any current and past mental health diagnoses or struggles (depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and attention deficits)

For the medical history portion of the exam, AFC highly recommends that a parent or guardian be present to help answer these questions. It’s common for children and teens to forget or not remember their entire medical history. Many health care professionals agree that medical history is the most vital aspect of a sports physical.

Physical Examination

After the medical history section, you’ll move on to the physical exam – a thorough examination of your body. During this part, your provider will search for any signs of injury or illness.

Be prepared for your provider to:

• Record your height and weight
• Check your blood pressure, pulse, heart, lungs, abdominal area, ears, nose and throat
• Test your vision, hearing, muscle strength, flexibility, posture and joints
• Check for possible hernias
• Check your cholesterol, hemoglobin count and perform a urinalysis (depending on the patient’s age)

Generally, the physical assessment is the same for male and female athletes. But keep in mind that the physician may ask other questions based on whether or not the patient has begun or finished puberty.

AFC providers will also ask about any drugs, alcohol or supplements you may be taking. This includes weight-loss supplements, steroids, and/or performance enhancers.

Why Are Sports Physicals Important?

Yearly sports physicals are essential in identifying any new or emerging medical conditions. Significant changes can occur in the span of a year, especially in children and adolescents. By asking specific questions and conducting a physical exam, AFC providers can assess any illnesses or potential injuries that could jeopardize your overall health.

For example, if an athlete has asthma a provider might recommend a different inhaler or a modified dosage based on the sport they are playing. In other scenarios, they can also provide helpful stretches or strengthening exercises to help reduce the risk of injuries.

When Should I Get a Sports Physical?

It’s a good idea to get your sports physical at least six to eight weeks before your season begins. This lets your medical provider check you out and treat any conditions that might come up in plenty of time before your sports season. Plus, they can refer you to a specialist or do a follow-up, if needed.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your sports physical, otherwise you might not be cleared to play in time.

What if the Exam Reveals a Problem?

Your provider will finish and sign the sports physical exam form once the entire examination is completed. They might request additional testing, a second examination or treatment for any medical issues identified during the exam. An AFC provider may also suggest specific accommodations such as wearing specific safety gear, having epinephrine injections on hand or using an inhaler for asthma.

It’s rare that health concerns prohibit children and teens from participating in sports. But keep in mind that some patients may need some form of treatment or a follow-up exam before they are officially clear to play. If additional care is needed, be sure to follow the prescribed treatment given to you by AFC Arvada so you can prevent future injuries and health concerns.