La Porte, TX Sports Physicals Near Me

Visit our urgent care for school & sports physicals in La Porte. No appointment is required. Open 7 days a week with extended hours.

Sports physicals are an important step before each new season, helping confirm that athletes are in good health and ready to play safely. While the exam is straightforward, it plays a key role in spotting potential issues that could affect participation.

If your child needs a sports physical and can’t get an appointment with their primary care provider in time, AFC La Porte is here to help. You can reserve your spot online or simply walk in when it’s convenient for your family.

How to Get Ready for a Sports Physical

Preparation is easy, but taking a few steps ahead of time can make the process smoother:

• Bring all required forms, including completed health and immunization records.
• If your child has a heart condition, bring clearance from their doctor confirming it’s safe to participate.
• Have your child dress in comfortable clothes that allow for movement.
• Be prepared to provide details about your child’s personal and family medical history.

Please note: AFC Urgent Care can only confirm immunizations if they were given at one of our clinics or proper documentation is provided.

What is a Sports Physical?

Also called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), a sports physical is a health evaluation that ensures an athlete can safely join in their chosen activity. It’s also a chance to discuss any health concerns before starting a new sport or training program.

It’s important to know that a sports physical is different from an annual wellness exam. While both check many of the same things, the sports physical focuses specifically on safe participation. For ongoing monitoring of growth and general health, children should still have a yearly exam with their primary care provider.

Sports physicals have two parts: medical history and physical examination.

Medical History

The medical history portion involves answering questions about your child’s health and family background. Topics may include:

• Family history of any serious illnesses (Cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, etc.)
• Current and previous illnesses from 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)
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness or fainting spells.
• Any chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing when working out or exercising
• Frequent headaches
• Heart problems and irregularities (murmur or irregular heartbeat)
• Liver or kidney issues
• Regular medications (prescription and non-prescription medications, natural or herbal supplements.
• Current and previous mental health diagnoses or concerns (depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress and attention deficits)

A parent or guardian should be present to help provide accurate information. Many providers consider this section the most important part of the exam since it can highlight potential risks before they become serious. Encourage your child to be open and honest with the provider. Some young athletes worry that sharing symptoms could keep them off the field, but leaving out details may actually increase the risk of injury.

Physical Examination

Next, the provider performs a physical exam to assess your child’s overall health. They’ll check vital signs and look for anything that could interfere with safe play. Common checks include:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing
• Heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Possible hernia check
• Flexibility, posture, muscle strength and joint function
• Additional testing if needed (cholesterol, hemoglobin, urinalysis depending on age)

The exam is similar for boys and girls, though questions may vary depending on whether your child has started or completed puberty. Providers will also ask about medications or supplements that could affect health and athletic safety. This could be anything from weight-loss supplements to steroids or performance enhancers.

Why an Annual Sports Physical Matters

Children and teens can change a lot in just one year, which is why yearly sports physicals are so important. The exam helps identify any new or developing conditions that may need attention before playing.

For example, if your child has asthma, the provider may recommend adjusting their inhaler use based on the demands of their sport. They may also suggest stretches or strengthening exercises to lower the risk of injuries throughout the season.

If Concerns Are Found

Most of the time, the provider will complete and sign the form after the exam. In some cases, they may request further testing, follow-up visits or prescribe treatment for a medical issue identified during the check-up.

They might recommend:

• Using specific protective equipment
• Keeping an epinephrine auto-injector handy for severe allergies
• Adjusting asthma management with an inhaler

These recommendations don’t usually prevent kids from playing but ensure they can participate safely. Following your provider’s guidance will help protect your child’s health and allow them to enjoy their sport with confidence.

Walk in or reserve your spot online for a sports physical at AFC La Porte!