Sports Physicals in Kingwood, TX

Get prepared for the busy sports season. Stop by AFC Urgent Care of Kingwood TX for your annual sports physical today.

The school year means your life and schedule are full of sports and other extracurricular activities. But before your child can hit the practice field, they will need to undergo a sports physical. These exams assess whether they will be able to handle the physical demands of the activity, identify any potential health concerns and ensure safe participation. Our AFC Urgent Care clinic makes the process as smooth as possible. We offer comprehensive sports physicals at a competitive price.

What is a Sports Physical?

A pre-participation physical exam (PPE), or more commonly referred to as a sports physical is an evaluation conducted by a medical provider to determine whether your child can participate in a specific sport. In most states, children and teens are required to get a physical before they begin a new sport or a new season.

What to Know Before Your Visit

Be sure to bring any necessary forms such as a completed health and immunization history. If your child has a previous history of heart problems or a heart condition, please bring written documentation from your primary care or treating physician stating the condition does not impede their ability to participate in sports.

*Please note that AFC Urgent Care can only verify immunization administered at our clinics or with proper documentation demonstrating your vaccination history.

What Can My Child Expect?

There are two main components in a sports physical: medical history and a physical exam.

Medical History

This part of the exam involves answering a series of questions regarding previous or ongoing medical conditions, medications, injuries and any other health concerns.

Topics covered in this section:

• Family history of any serious illnesses (Cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, etc.)
• Any current illness or previous illness when they were younger (asthma, diabetic issues, epilepsy or seizures)
• Earlier hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies to medication, food or insect bites
• Previous injuries (broken bones, sprains/strains, dislocations, concussions)
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness or fainting spells.
• Any chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing when working out or exercising
• Frequent headaches
• Heart problems (murmur or irregular heart beat)
• Liver or kidney problems
• Any medicines that they regularly take. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, natural or herbal supplements.
• Mental health (depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress and attention deficits)

A parent or guardian should be present to help answer the medical history questions because children might not recall their individual or family’s medical records. Many health care professionals cite medical history as the most important aspect of a sports physical examination.

Physical Examination

After the medical history inquiry, the physician or health care provider will then perform the following:

• Record your child’s height and weight
• Test their blood pressure and check their pulse
• Perform vision and hearing tests
• Examine their heart, lungs, abdominal area, ears, nose and throat
• Test for hernia
• Check their muscle strength and flexibility, posture, joints
• Depending on your child’s age, the provider may check cholesterol, hemoglobin count and perform a urinalysis.

Most of the physical exam is identical for male and female patients. However, the provider may ask different questions depending on whether or not the child has started or gone through puberty.

Additionally, the medical provider will ask questions concerning the use of drugs, alcohol or dietary supplements. This could include anything from weight-loss supplements to steroids or performance enhancers. It’s important to be honest with our AFC providers as these can impact your child’s health.

Why is a Sports Physical Needed?

As children and teens grow, a year can make a big difference to their health. For example, if they struggle with asthma, our healthcare professionals may recommend a different inhaler or dosage based on the sport they’re playing. Even changing position on the court can impact a health condition like asthma. A provider could also suggest particular stretching or strengthening exercises to help with any new injuries that occurred over the course of a year or to help prevent future injuries.

When Should I Schedule a Physical?

It’s recommended that children and teens get their annual sports physical done six to eight weeks before the sports season starts. This will give our AFC providers ample time to conduct a comprehensive exam, address any existing medical concerns and schedule any necessary referrals to specialists. Planning ahead will give you peace of mind and ensure that your child doesn’t have to miss the beginning of their season.

What Happens if the Physical Reveals a Problem?

After finishing both sections of the exam your provider will complete and sign the sports physical exam form. However, sometimes they may request additional testing (such as labs or blood work), a follow-up exam or prescribe treatments for any medical issues discovered during the visit.

Your provider may also recommend other modifications like using certain protective gear, keeping epinephrine shots on hand in case of severe insect allergies or using an inhaler for asthma.

Most health concerns will not prevent children from participating in sports, but it’s always important to be prepared in case they need treatment or another exam in order to play. Be sure to follow all guidelines given to you by an AFC team member that way your child can have a safe, healthy and fun sports season.