The start of a new sports season is exciting, with fresh uniforms, new teammates, and a chance for your child to develop skills both on and off the field. But before the first whistle blows, there’s one crucial step that’s sometimes overlooked: the sports physical.

Also known as a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE), this screening is more than a school requirement. It’s a proactive way to protect your child’s health, prevent injuries, and ensure they’re physically ready for the demands of their sport.

At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, we see students every year who come in just for a quick clearance and end up discovering something significant, anything from mild asthma that only appears during exertion to a heart murmur that needs further evaluation. That’s why even “healthy” kids need a sports physical before the season starts.

And with five convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill, it’s easier than ever to walk in and get your child cleared without waiting weeks for a pediatrician’s appointment.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive health check explicitly designed to assess whether a child or teen is ready to participate in athletic activity safely.

This type of exam became common in schools during the 1970s as educators, coaches, and healthcare providers began to recognize the risks of undiagnosed health conditions in young athletes. Today, almost every school district and youth sports league requires it.

The main goals are:

• Identify health concerns that might make sports unsafe
• Reduce the risk of injury by spotting weaknesses or imbalances
• A guide on improving performance safely
• Document baseline health for comparison in case an injury occurs later

The appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes but provides valuable insight that can prevent major health issues during the season.

Why Sports Physicals Are Necessary Even for Healthy Kids

Many parents think, “My child is active and healthy, so why do we need another exam?” The truth is, sports place unique demands on the body. Some health issues only become apparent when a child is exerting themselves, training regularly, or playing in competitive environments.

Detecting Hidden Heart Conditions

Some heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias, may not cause noticeable symptoms until the heart is under stress. During a sports physical, providers check for irregular rhythms, unusual heart sounds, and a family history of sudden cardiac arrest. Even a mild heart murmur can require follow-up testing to ensure it won’t interfere with intense exercise. These findings can save lives.

Identifying Respiratory Problems

A child might never experience shortness of breath in daily life, but when they’re running sprints or playing in cold weather, mild asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm can suddenly appear. Catching this early means treatment like an inhaler can be provided so they can play safely.

Spotting Musculoskeletal Issues

Growth spurts can create muscle imbalances or joint instability, making a child more prone to sprains or overuse injuries. A sports physical checks flexibility, strength, and posture to identify areas that may need strengthening before the season ramps up.

Reviewing Past Injuries

If your child had a concussion, fracture, or significant sprain last season, a sports physical ensures they’ve adequately healed and are ready for full participation. Rushing back too soon is one of the leading causes of repeat injuries in youth sports.

What’s Included in a Sports Physical at AFC Urgent Care Beverly

Our sports physicals are designed to be thorough but efficient. Here’s what you can expect:

Medical History Review

We start by asking about:

• Prior injuries or hospitalizations
• Symptoms during exercise, like chest pain, dizziness, or trouble breathing
• Current and past medical conditions
• Family history of heart problems, sudden death, or genetic conditions
• Allergies and asthma history
• Current medications and supplements

A detailed history helps us spot red flags that might not be obvious in a physical exam alone.

Physical Examination

The exam itself includes:

• Vital signs: Height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse
• Vision and hearing tests: To ensure sensory readiness for sports
• Heart and lung evaluation: Listening for murmurs, irregular rhythms, and breathing issues
• Musculoskeletal check: Testing joints, flexibility, muscle strength, and alignment
• Neurological assessment: Balance, coordination, and reflexes
• Skin check: Looking for rashes, infections, or conditions that could worsen with sports equipment use

Clearance and Guidance

If your child is ready to play, we complete the necessary forms on the spot. If we find something concerning, we’ll explain the next steps and, if needed, refer you to a specialist.

When to Schedule a Sports Physical

We recommend scheduling a sports physical at least 4–6 weeks before the season starts. This gives time to address any issues before practices begin.
In Massachusetts, many fall sports begin conditioning in late August, winter sports start in November, and spring sports ramp up in March. If your child plays multiple sports, aim for early summer so one clearance covers the year, unless a school or league requires a separate seasonal clearance.

The best part? AFC Urgent Care Beverly offers walk-in physicals every day, so you don’t have to wait for a pediatrician’s appointment.

How Sports Physicals Differ from Annual Checkups

Annual checkups are essential, focusing on overall wellness, growth, development, vaccinations, and long-term health.

A sports physical zeroes in on physical readiness for athletic activity. It’s more specific about joint health, cardiovascular endurance, and injury prevention. While some families combine both visits in one appointment, others prefer to keep them separate so the sports physical can be closer to the start of the season.

Benefits Beyond Safety

Sports physicals aren’t only about avoiding injury; they also benefit athletes in other ways:

• Confidence boost: Kids feel reassured knowing a healthcare provider has cleared them for play.
• Educational opportunity: Providers can teach athletes about hydration, nutrition, and safe training.
• Baseline tracking: Height, weight, and vital signs from year to year help monitor health trends.
• Team safety: Identifying contagious illnesses or skin conditions early can protect entire teams.

Common Issues Found During Sports Physicals

It’s not uncommon for our providers to discover:

• Vision problems that impact performance but haven’t been noticed at school
• Mild scoliosis that could worsen without physical therapy
• High blood pressure, even in young athletes
• Signs of overuse injuries, especially in year-round players
• Allergic conditions that flare during outdoor play

By catching these early, we can recommend interventions that allow the athlete to keep playing while avoiding long-term damage.

Sports Safety Tips for the Season

During your child’s physical, we’ll share advice on staying safe all season, such as:

• Warm up for 10–15 minutes before any practice or game
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot summer training
• Use proper protective gear for the sport
• Get adequate sleep, fatigue increases injury risk
• Take rest days to allow muscles to recover
• Speak up about pain or unusual symptoms rather than “pushing through.”

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Beverly for Sports Physicals

• Walk-in access: No appointment needed, come when it’s convenient
• Quick turnaround: Most visits completed in under 30 minutes
• Experienced providers: Familiar with school and league requirements in the North Shore area
• Local convenience: 5 locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill
• Affordable care: Competitive pricing and most insurance plans accepted

Find your nearest AFC Urgent Care Beverly location.

Your child’s health is the foundation of their athletic success. Even if they’ve never had an injury or health scare, a sports physical is your chance to ensure they’re truly ready for the season ahead.

At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, we make it easy to get the clearance you need, fast, thorough, and on your schedule. Whether it’s weeks before tryouts or the day before the first game, we’re here to help keep your athlete safe and ready to perform.

Walk in today to one of our five convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, or Haverhill for a comprehensive sports physical and peace of mind for the season ahead.