Sports and School Physicals from American Family Care
Don't wait to get the medical attention you need.
American Family Care® Can Help You Prepare for the Upcoming Year!
Most schools and sports teams require children to undergo a physical before the new school year starts. These exams assess a child’s health to ensure that they are physically fit to go to school or participate in athletic activities.
If the school year is coming up quickly and you haven’t had time to schedule an appointment with your regular pediatrician, don’t worry!
At American Family Care, we offer sports and school physicals for walk-in patients.
The Importance of Sports Physicals and School Physicals
Physical activity is great for children, but it is important to have their physical condition assessed to make sure they aren’t at serious risk for injury. One of the most important parts of the sports physical is examining the strength of the heart. Though it is rare, some children are born with a heart condition that can go undetected during regular physicals. Strenuous physical activity can trigger a serious cardiac event which could be fatal. Thankfully, heart condition screening is something that is offered in most sports physicals and can help prevent this from happening.
Our physicians can also provide parents and athletes with tips on how to prevent injury. This includes instructions for simple stretches and exercises that can be done before any physical activity.
Childhood is a time of rapid physical, mental, and emotional growth. Your child’s annual school and sports physical is a great opportunity to get an update on their current development. This is also the ideal time to get caught up on any vaccinations they may have missed. Some schools have mandatory vaccination requirements that your child will have to get before they can be enrolled for the new school year.
What Typically Happens at a Sports Physical?
A sports physical exam typically includes a review of your medical history and a physical examination focusing on the musculoskeletal system. The physician will check your range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle joints.
Your doctor may also assess your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you are healthy enough for strenuous activity. Other tests that may be done during a sports physical exam include assessing vision and hearing acuity, testing reflexes, checking for signs of anemia or diabetes via blood tests, and possibly evaluating your lung function with spirometry.
After the physical examination is complete, the physician can provide advice about nutrition or exercise programs tailored to meet your needs.
To prepare for your sports physical, it is essential you record and bring any relevant medical information, such as past injuries, allergies, or medications.
You should wear comfortable clothing that allows the doctor to examine joints and other areas of your body easily.
With the proper preparation, a comprehensive sports physical can ensure that you are ready for training or competition.
How Can We Help?
- URGENT CARE
- PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE
- PRIMARY CARE
- WALK-IN CLINIC
- FAMILY CARE
- SEASONAL ALLERGY TREATMENTS
- BRONCHITIS TREATMENT
- EXPRESS LAB SERVICES
- STD TESTING
- ANNUAL PHYSICALS
- SCHOOL/SPORTS PHYSICALS
- IMMIGRATION PHYSICALS
- MEN’S PHYSICALS
- WOMEN’S PHYSICALS
- WELLNESS PHYSICALS
- VACCINATIONS – IMMUNIZATIONS
- FLU SHOTS – VACCINATIONS
- TRAVEL MEDICINE – VACCINATIONS
- X-RAYS
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