North Austin, TX Sports Physicals Near Me

Visit our urgent care for school & sports physicals in North Austin. We proudly serve the North Austin & surrounding Austin areas. Open 7 days a week.

The school year often comes with a busy schedule full of sports and extracurriculars. Before you take the field, you’ll need a sports physical to make sure you’re healthy enough to participate safely. These exams help identify potential health concerns, confirm you can meet the demands of the sport, and give you peace of mind as the season begins. At AFC Urgent Care North Austin, we make the process simple, convenient and affordable.

What is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), is an evaluation performed by a medical provider to determine whether you’re ready to join a particular sport. Most schools and athletic organizations require this exam before the start of a new season.

What to Bring to Your Visit

To help the exam go smoothly, please bring:

• Completed health and immunization history forms
• Documentation from your medical provider or treating physician if you have a heart condition or history of heart problems, confirming you are cleared to play
• Wear comfortable clothing so you can have full mobility during the exam

*AFC Urgent Care can only verify vaccinations given at our clinics or with proper documentation of your child’s immunization record.

What to Expect During the Exam

A sports physical has two main parts: 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.

You will answer questions about:

• Family history of any serious illnesses (Cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, etc.)
• 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, 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. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, natural or herbal supplements.
• Mental health (depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress and attention deficits)

Because children or teens may not recall all their medical history, a parent or guardian should be present to help answer these questions. Providers often consider this history the most important part of the exam.

Honesty is very important during a sports physical. Although it’s easy to think that revealing medical conditions may hinder you from playing, if symptoms are left untreated your condition could worsen.

Physical Examination

The provider will then:

• Record height, weight, blood pressure and pulse
• Test vision and hearing
• Listen to the heart and lungs
• Check the abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Test for hernias
• Evaluate posture, joint function, strength and flexibility

Depending on age and health, additional screenings such as cholesterol checks, blood counts or urinalysis may be done. Providers may also ask about drug, alcohol or supplement use, including performance enhancers or weight-loss aids, since these can affect health and athletic safety.

The exam is generally the same for boys and girls, though providers may ask different questions depending on whether the individual has started or completed puberty.

Why Sports Physicals Matter

Children grow and change quickly, and their health needs can shift from year to year. A sports physical helps providers:

• Adjust treatment plans for conditions like asthma
• Recommend exercises or stretches to prevent injury
• Identify protective equipment or medications that may now be needed
• Catch new issues before they interfere with sports participation

Even small changes, like moving to a different position in a game, can affect a child’s health needs.

When to Schedule

Plan to schedule a sports physical six to eight weeks before the season begins. This allows time for:

• A thorough exam
• Addressing any concerns
• Completing follow-up testing or referrals, if needed

Scheduling early ensures you won’t miss practices or games.

If a Problem is Found

After the exam, your provider will complete and sign the sports clearance form. If any concerns come up, they may recommend:

• Additional testing or follow-up visits
• Specific protective gear
• Emergency medications (such as an EpiPen for severe allergies)
• Adjustments to asthma medication or inhaler use

In most cases, health conditions do not prevent kids from playing. Instead, the exam helps families and coaches prepare for a safe, healthy season.

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.

Get prepared for the busy sports season; stop by AFC North Austin for your sports physical.