Oregon City, OR Sports Physicals Near Me

Our urgent care clinic in Oregon City offers affordable & quick school sports physicals. Visit us today! We’re open daily – no appointment needed.

There are more perks to sports than you realize. Not only are you staying physically and mentally fit, but friendships are built, communication skills are strengthened and confidence is encouraged. However before you race off, you’ll need a simple examination: a sports physical. This straight-forward exam helps identify any hidden health concerns that could impede your ability to safely participate in physical activities.

What to Know Before You Visit

Our clinic values your time, so we’ve made the sports physical process as smooth as possible. Here are a few things you can prepare, so your visit moves even faster.

• Bring any required forms, including completed documentation for health and immunization history.
• If you have any previous or current cardiac conditions, provide documentation from your treating physician stating that those issues do not affect your participation in sports.

Note: Urgent Care can only verify immunizations administered at our clinics or with appropriate documentation showing your vaccination history.

What is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), is designed to make sure children and teens are healthy enough to safely take part in their chosen sport. In Oregon, student athletes must complete a sports physical before starting a new sport or a new season. Typically, a sports physical has two sections: an overview of medical history and a physical exam

Medical History

This part of the exam is verbal. You’ll be asked about past or current health conditions, medications, injuries and other health-related topics. The provider will also review your family medical history and other factors that may impact your health.

Expect the following topics to be addressed:

• Family history of any serious illnesses
• Past and current childhood illnesses
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies to medication, food, or insect bites
• Past injuries
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness, or fainting spells
• Any chest pain or discomfort
• Trouble breathing when working out or exercising
• Frequent headaches
• Heart problems and irregularities
• Liver or kidney issues
• Regular medications
• Previous and current mental health diagnoses or concerns

A parent or guardian should be present to help answer the medical history portion of the exam, since many children may not know or remember their complete medical history. Health care experts cite medical history as one of the most significant components of the exam which is why honesty and accuracy is vital.

Physical Examination

The second part of a sports physical is the physical examination. External areas of the body such as the heart, lungs, eyes and ears are checked.

Common things that are also measured, tested and recorded:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing tests
• Heart, lungs, abdominal area, ears, nose, and throat
• Potential hernias
• Muscle strength and flexibility, posture, and joints
• Cholesterol, hemoglobin count, and a urinalysis (depending on the child’s age)

The physical exam is usually the same for male and female athletes with differences being based on whether the patient has started or finished puberty. Providers will also ask question regarding any drugs, alcohol or supplements you may be using. This includes weight-loss supplements, steroids and/or performance enhancers.

Why Should I Get a Sports Physical?

There are a few benefits to obtaining a yearly sports physical.

1. During their adolescent years, kids can change from year to year. These exams help catch any new or developing health issues that could impact their ability to safely participate in sports.
2. AFC providers are equipped to order additional tests if necessary. For instance, an asthmatic athlete may need to change their inhaler dosage or try a new treatment plan.
3. Athletes who may be at risk of injury may need injury-prevention tips, which providers can share.

When Should I Get a Sports Physical?

Planning ahead is always the best option. AFC Oregon City recommends booking your sports physical six to eight weeks before the start of your sports season. This will allow plenty of time for you to complete a comprehensive evaluation and – if needed – schedule a follow-up exam, visit a specialist or start a new treatment plan.

If your sports physical is not completed on time, you could delay your practice and game time.

What If Something Is Wrong After the Exam?

Once you have finished your sports physical, an AFC provider will sign the required forms. Sometimes, they might request additional tests, a second exam or treatment for any medical issues revealed during the exam.

Lifestyle adaptions your provider could suggest:

• Wearing special safety equipment
• Utilizing an inhaler for asthma
• Carrying epinephrine injections for severe allergic reactions

For safe participation in competitive sports, it’s very important that you follow and abide by any new treatment plans or adjustments that AFC recommends. Most health concerns found during a sports physical will not hinder you from playing. Sometimes you just need a few extra precautions.

At AFC Oregon City we can provide comprehensive sports physicals, so you can begin your sports season safely and with peace of mind.