NE Portland, OR Sports Physicals Near Me

Visit our urgent care for school & sports physicals in NE Portland & the surrounding Portland area. No appointment is required, we’re open daily.

Playing sports is more than just a great way to stay physically and mentally fit. Physical activities – like sports – teach important life lessons such as teamwork, communication and socialization. If you’re gearing up for the upcoming sports season, you’ll need a sports physical. Below, we’ve explained the basics of sports physicals, including their importance, what they consist of and what happens after it’s over.

What to Know Before You Visit:

• Bring any required forms, including a completed health and immunization history.
• If the patient has a history of heart issues, AFC requires documentation from the patient’s primary care or treating physician stating the condition does not prevent participation in sports.
• We can only verify immunizations administered at our clinics or with appropriate documentation showing vaccination history.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical exam is also called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). This exam assists in determining whether it is safe for children and adolescents to participate in a certain sporting activity. The majority of states (including Oregon) require that children and teens get a sports physical prior to the start of a new sports season, or if beginning a new sport entirely. However, even if a sports physical isn’t required, AFC NE Portland strongly advises that you obtain one.

A sports physical has two main sections: an overview of medical history and a physical examination of the patient.

Medical History

This part of the exam is verbal. You and the provider will have a conversation discussing a range of topics including current medications, previous injuries and your family’s health history.

Be prepared to talk about:

• Family history of any serious illnesses
• Any current illness or previous illness when you 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, or 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 heartbeat)
• Liver or kidney problems
• Any medicines that you regularly take (prescription and non-prescription medications and natural or herbal supplements)
• Mental health (depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and attention deficits)

Many health care professionals claim that medical history is the most important aspect of the sports physical examination. Therefore, we highly suggest a parent or guardian be available to help answer the medical history questions as many children may not know or remember their entire individual or family’s medical history.

Physical Examination

For the second part of the exam, your physician will perform standard tests, checks and measurements such as:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing tests
• Examine your heart, lungs, abdominal area, ears, nose, and throat
• Test for hernia
• Muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and joints
• Depending on the patient’s age, the provider may check cholesterol, hemoglobin count, and perform a urinalysis

AFC providers will inquire about the use of drugs, alcohol or dietary supplements. This may include questions regarding the use of weight-loss supplements, steroids and/or other performance enhancers since these can impact an individual’s health.

Generally, male and female athletes can expect the same physical exam. However, there may be additional questions depending on whether the patient has started or gone through puberty.

Why Is a Sports Physical Important?

During a sports physical, your medical provider will look for any diseases or injuries that could jeopardize your overall health. For instance, if you have asthma, a medical professional may suggest a different inhaler or adjust the dosage depending on the sport you are playing or if your position on the team changed. If you’re worried about sustaining an injury during the season, a provider can suggest a few stretching or strengthening exercises.

When Should I Get a Sports Physical?

Once a year is all you need! Your sports season will dictate when you book a physical. We recommend obtaining your sports physical six to eight weeks before the season begins. This gives AFC NE Portland plenty of time to treat any conditions, refer you to a specialist or do a follow-up exam.

Nobody will be happy if your sports physical is the day before sports practice starts and something comes up that needs to be addressed before you can suit up.

What if There is a Problem After the Exam?

After a clean bill of health, your provider will complete the sports physical exam form. But keep in mind, they may also request specific testing, a follow-up exam or recommend treatment for any medical concerns discovered during the exam. AFC could suggest anything from: wearing special protective equipment, carrying epinephrine shots or utilizing an inhaler.

The great majority of health concerns won’t prevent kids from participating in sports, but occasionally they may need treatment and a follow-up exam in order to play.

Finally, remember that even if you have a sports physical every season, if it is not a complete physical exam, you should still receive a comprehensive health exam annually.

Stop by anytime of the year for a sports physical at AFC NE Portland.