Back-to-school season often means new supplies, schedules, and a required school or sports physical. These exams are essential for making sure students are healthy, safe, and ready to participate in physical activities throughout the school year. In this blog, we’ll break down what to expect during a school or sports physical, what to bring to the appointment, and why urgent care is a convenient place to get it done.
For a same-day school/sports physical, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our team provides same-day physicals so you can get ready for a new school year or sports season on your schedule! Walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
Why Are School and Sports Physicals Important?
Sometimes called pre-participation physical exams (PPEs), these physicals help determine whether it’s safe for a child or teen to join a sport or physical activity. They allow providers to:
- Identify health conditions that could interfere with participation
- Catch early signs of illness or injury risk
- Review vaccination status and update immunizations
- Offer guidance on physical health, growth, and development
- Provide clearance or recommendations based on individual needs
In many school districts, these physicals are required annually to participate in school, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
When Should You Schedule a Physical?
It’s best to schedule a school or sports physical around 4 to 6 weeks before the season starts. This gives your child enough time to complete any additional testing, vaccines, treatments, or follow-up care if a health issue is found during the exam. Urgent care centers offer walk-in sports/school physicals with short wait times– making it easy to check this task of your to-do list.
What To Bring To Your Appointment
To ensure a smooth visit, it’s recommended to bring the following:
- Any required forms from your school or sports league (often includes a health history section to complete ahead of time)
- A copy of your child’s immunization records
- List of current medications and allergies
- Insurance card and payment
What Happens During The Exam?
A school or sports physical typically involves two key components: a health history review and a physical examination. During the health history review, your provider will go over past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, as well as family history of any health conditions. They will ask about allergies, medications, any current symptoms or limitations, and discuss mental health, stress, and sleep patterns. This part of the exam is important for flagging potential concerns that may require extra evaluation or monitoring.
During the physical examination, your provider will measure height and weight, blood pressure and pulse, check vision and hearing, examine lung, heart, and abdomen, as well as assess joints and muscles to check for flexibility and strength. Your provider may also offer advice on hydration, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Get a Same-Day School/Sports Physical at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek in Denver, CO
A school or sports physical is a simple but important part of preparing your child for a healthy and successful year– both in and out of the classroom. With just one visit, you’ll ensure they are ready to participate safely and confidently in sports and other activities. At AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek, we offer a convenient and reliable alternative to doctors offices, especially during the busy back-to-school season. We offer walk-in availability, evening and weekend hours, short wait times, and on-site services. Visit us for a walk-in physical, no appointment required. For more information, call us directly at (303) 692-8000.
