Baytown Garth, TX Sports Physicals Nearby

Prepare for the upcoming sports season by getting your sports physical at our urgent care clinic in Baytown Garth. We’re open daily and accept walk-ins.

Sports physicals are an important step before starting a new season, making sure athletes are healthy and ready to play. These exams are simple, but they’re essential for checking overall health and spotting any issues that could affect safe participation.

If your child needs a sports physical and can’t get in to see your primary care provider quickly, AFC Baytown Garth makes it easy. You can save your spot ahead of time or simply walk in at your convenience.

How Do I Prepare for a Sports Physical?

Preparing for a sports physical is simple, but a little preparation goes a long way. Gather all necessary paperwork, including a completed health and immunization history. If your child has a history of heart problems, bring written clearance from their primary care provider or treating physician confirming it’s safe for them to participate.

Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing that allows them to move easily during the exam. You should also be ready to answer questions about both personal and family medical history, as this helps the provider get a full picture of your child’s health.

Encourage your child to answer honestly during the exam; sometimes athletes worry that revealing symptoms could keep them off the field, but withholding information may actually increase the risk of injury.

Please note: AFC Urgent Care can only verify immunizations that were administered at our clinics or when proper vaccination records are provided.

What is a Sports Physical?

Professionally known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), a sports physical is a medical evaluation designed to make sure an athlete is healthy enough to safely participate in their sport or activity. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with a healthcare provider before beginning a new sport or training routine.

Keep in mind that a sports physical is not the same as a comprehensive annual checkup. While the exam may include many of the same steps, its focus is on clearing athletes for safe participation. For ongoing care, like tracking growth, development and overall wellness, it’s still important to schedule a separate annual physical with your primary care provider.

There are two portions of a sports physical: medical history and physical examination.

Medical History:

This section of the exam is where the patient will answer questions about their individual and family medical history. You can expect topics similar to the following:

• Family history of any serious illnesses (Cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, etc.)
• Current and previous illnesses from any time in childhood (asthma, diabetic issues, epilepsy or seizures)
• Any hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies to medication, food or insect bites
• Previous injuries (broken bones, sprains/strains, dislocations, concussions)
• Heart problems and irregularities (murmur or irregular heartbeat)
• Liver or kidney issues
• Regular medications
• Mental health

A parent or guardian should be present to assist in answering the medical history questions as many children may not be familiar with or recall their complete individual or familial medical history. According to most healthcare professionals, medical history is considered the most crucial aspect of the sports physical examination.

Physical Examination:

During the physical exam portion of a sports physical, your provider will check overall health by examining the heart, lungs, eyes, ears and other key areas, while also looking for signs of illness or injury that could affect safe play.

Common checks include:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing tests
• Heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Possible hernia screening
• Muscle strength, flexibility, posture and joint health
• Additional tests, such as cholesterol, hemoglobin or a urinalysis (depending on age)

The exam is generally the same for boys and girls, though providers may ask different questions depending on whether your child has started or completed puberty. They’ll also ask about any medications, supplements or performance enhancers your child may be taking, since these can impact health and safety in sports.

Why is it important to get an annual Sports Physical?

It is crucial to undergo an annual sports physical to ensure the identification of any new or developing conditions. Drastic changes can occur over a year, particularly as children and teenagers grow.

During a sports physical, a medical provider assesses any potential diseases or injuries that may hinder your child’s ability to participate in their sport. For instance, if your child has asthma, your healthcare professional may suggest using a different inhaler or adjusting the dosage based on the sport they play or the position they hold. Moreover, the physician may recommend specific stretching or strengthening exercises to minimize the risk of injuries.

What if there is a problem after the exam?

Normally, after completing the sports physical exam, the provider will fill out and sign the exam form. However, there may be instances where the provider requests additional testing, another examination or prescribes treatment for any medical issues discovered during the exam.

Your provider may also recommend specific adjustments, such as:

• Using appropriate safety gear
• Keeping epinephrine shots on hand for severe insect allergies during outdoor sports
• Utilizing an inhaler for asthma.

If your AFC provider suggests any of these modifications or treatments, it is crucial to follow their instructions. This way, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your child throughout the entire season. The majority of health concerns will not hinder children from participating in sports, but there may be instances where treatments or follow-up exams are necessary for them to be able to play.

Walk into AFC Baytown Garth today! We proudly serve Baytown Garth and the surrounding Baytown area.