Did you know? Before your child can begin playing a sport this spring, he or she will need a sports physical first!

Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team explains why below, so keep reading!

Why Is a Sports Physical Necessary?

Sports physicals, or Pre-Participation Exams (PPEs), are important because they can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child’s participation in a sport.

Plus, visiting your local AFC center for a physical is a great opportunity to talk to a top-quality healthcare professional about ways that your athlete may be prone to injury and suggest tips and exercises that he or she can do to avoid future problems. We’ve listed the common information your healthcare provider will need to know below.

Medical Info Your Doctor Will Need to Know

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Illnesses that your child currently has or had when he or she was younger, such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
• Past injuries, including concussions, sprains or bone fractures
• If your child has ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Any medications that your child is on, including things like over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and prescription medications

Are Sports Physicals Usually Different Depending on Who Gives Them?

Generally, no. Sports physicals consist of two components: questions about your child’s medical and family history and the physical exam. The medical history questions come first, followed by the physical part of the exam.

We’ve listed the common components and order of the physical exam below.

Common Components of Physical Exam

• Height and weight will be recorded.
• The doctor will take note of blood pressure and heart rates.
• A simple vision test will be performed on your child.
• Primary and sensory organs will be evaluated, such as the lungs, ears, nose and throat.
• Lastly, your child’s joints, overall strength, flexibility and posture will be checked.

From William P. Grier Middle to Crammerton Elementary and all the schools in between, our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team can perform your child’s sports physical, so don’t hesitate to visit us!