Richmond, TX Sports Physicals Near Me

Visit our urgent care for school & sports physicals in Richmond. No appointment is required. Open 7 days a week with extended hours.

Sports aren’t just about fitness, they build teamwork, discipline and confidence. But before your child hits the field, court or pool, it’s important to make sure they’re healthy enough to participate. A sports physical is a simple, routine exam that helps catch potential health issues and ensures safe play.

Preparing for Your Visit

Sports physicals are straightforward, but a little preparation makes the process even smoother. Be sure to bring:

• Any required school or league forms
• Completed health and immunization history
• Documentation from your child’s provider if they have a history of heart problems, confirming safe participation

Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended for easier mobility during the exam.

Note: AFC Urgent Care can only verify immunizations given at our clinics or with proper documentation of your vaccination history.

What is a Sports Physical?

Also called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), a sports physical confirms that a child or teen is healthy enough to safely take part in sports. In states like Texas, and right here in Fort Bend County, student athletes are required to complete a physical before each new season. Even if not required, our providers recommend one for anyone regularly involved in physical activity.

What’s Included in a Sports Physical?

Our sports physicals include two main sections.

1. Medical history
2. A physical examination

Medical History

This part covers both personal and family health, including:

• Family history of serious illness (heart disease, cancer, respiratory conditions)
• Past or current health conditions (asthma, diabetes, seizures)
• Surgeries or hospitalizations
• Allergies to food, medication or insect bites
• Past injuries (fractures, concussions, sprains, dislocations)
• Symptoms like chest pain, fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath, especially during exercise
• Frequent headaches
• Heart, kidney or liver problems
• Regular medications or supplements (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal)
• Mental health

Because kids may not remember every detail, a parent or guardian should be present to help answer these questions. Providers often consider this history the most important part of the exam.

Physical Exam

The physical exam is a thorough check of overall health and typically includes:

• Height, weight, blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing screening
• Heart, lung, abdominal, ear, nose and throat exam
• Muscle strength, posture, flexibility and joint health
• Hernia screening (when appropriate)
• Additional labs such as cholesterol, hemoglobin or urinalysis depending on age

Providers may also ask about the use of supplements, vitamins or performance enhancers. It’s important to answer honestly since these can impact health and athletic safety.

Why Get a Sports Physical Every Year?

Children and teens grow and change quickly, and their health needs can shift from one season to the next. Annual sports physicals help:

• Identify new or ongoing conditions
• Adjust treatment plans for conditions like asthma
• Prevent injuries with sport-specific recommendations
• Ensure safe participation, even after past injuries

When to Schedule

Plan ahead by scheduling a sports physical six to eight weeks before the season begins. This allows time for follow-up care, specialist referrals or additional testing if needed, so your child won’t miss practices or games.

But remember that even if your child has a sports physical every season, if it is not a complete physical exam, they should still receive a comprehensive health exam annually.

What if There is a Problem After the Exam?

Typically, the provider will fill out and sign the sports physical exam form once the evaluation is completely finished. However, there are times when further testing, another examination or treatment for new medical issues may be required.

Our provider might also suggest particular adaptations, such as, wearing appropriate safety equipment, having epinephrine shots on hand for severe insect allergies, or utilizing an inhaler for asthma.

If a provider recommends any of these modifications or treatments, it’s important to follow their instructions. That way, you can ensure a safe and healthy sports season. Most health concerns won’t prevent athletes from participating in sports, but occasionally they may need treatment and a follow-up exam to play. That’s why it’s important to be aware of any potential issues that may arise after a sports physical exam.

Visit AFC Richmond for a comprehensive and quick sports physical.