Tigard, OR Sports Physicals Near Me

Prepare for the upcoming sports season by getting your sports physical at our urgent care clinic in Tigard. We’re open daily & accept walk-ins.

Before beginning a new sports season, it’s important to check athletes are physically and mentally capable of handling physical activity. That’s where sports physicals come into play. These exams are easy, but they’re crucial when it comes to spotting any issues that could hinder your child’s ability to participate.

AFC Tigard makes obtaining a sports physical easy. If your primary physician is booked, walk into our clinic today. We have extended hours and you can save your spot ahead of time.

How Do I Prepare for a Sports Physical?

A little preparation can go a long way. While a sports physical is straight-forward there are a few things you can gather in advance. Bring all necessary paperwork, including a completed health and immunization history. If your child has a history of heart problems, bring written clearance from their primary care provider or treating physician confirming it’s safe for them to participate.

Have your child wear comfortable clothing that allows full mobility during the exam. Be ready to answer questions about your child’s individual health as well as their family medical history.

Encourage your child to answer all inquiries honestly during the exam. Occasionally, athletes worry that revealing symptoms could prevent them from playing, but inform your child that withholding their concerns could increase their risk of injury.

What is a Sports Physical?

Professionally known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), a sports physical is a medical evaluation designed to make sure an athlete is healthy enough to safely participate in their sport or activity. A majority of states (including Oregon) require athletes to get a sports physical before starting a new sport or at the beginning of their sports season.

Keep in mind that a sports physical is not the same as a comprehensive annual checkup. While the exam may include many of the same steps, its focus is on clearing athletes for safe participation. For ongoing care, like tracking growth, development and overall wellness, it’s still important to schedule a separate annual physical with your primary care provider.

What Happens During a Sports Physical?

In order to get a full picture of your child’s health, there are two main parts of a sports physical: medical history and a physical examination

Medical History

The first part of the exam will cover the athlete’s individual and family medical history.

Topics addressed:

• Family history of any serious illnesses (cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, etc.)
• Current and previous illnesses from any time in childhood (asthma, diabetic issues, epilepsy, or seizures)
• Any hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies to medication, food, or insect bites
• Previous injuries (broken bones, sprains/strains, dislocations, or concussions)
• Heart problems and irregularities (murmur or irregular heartbeat)
• Liver or kidney issues
• Regular medications
• Mental health

A parent or guardian should be present to assist in answering the medical history questions as many children may not be familiar with or recall their complete individual or familial medical history. According to most health care professionals, medical history is considered the most significant aspect of the sports physical examination.

Physical Examination

For the second part of the exam, an AFC provider will examine the patient’s physical health. Athletes can expect the same physical exam (whether male or female); the difference being questions centered around puberty.

Expect the following to be checked, measured and tested:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision and hearing tests
• Heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Possible hernias
• Muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and joint health

Depending on your child’s age, the provider may also do additional tests such as cholesterol, hemoglobin or a urinalysis. AFC Tigard will also ask about any medications, supplements or performance enhancers your child may be taking, since these can impact health and safety in sports.

Why is it Important to Get an Annual Sports Physical?

It is crucial to undergo an annual sports physical to ensure the identification of any new or developing conditions. Drastic changes can occur over a year, particularly as children and teenagers grow.

For instance, if your child has asthma, a health care professional may suggest using a different inhaler or adjusting the dosage based on the sport they play or the position they hold on the team. Physicians could also recommend specific stretching or strengthening exercises to minimize the risk of injuries.

What if There is a Problem After the Exam?

Normally, after completing the sports physical exam, the provider will fill out and sign the exam form. But sometimes, there may be situations where a provider requests additional testing, a follow-up exam or prescribes treatment for any medical issues discovered during the examination.

Specific adjustments providers recommend can range from using appropriate safety gear, keeping an EpiPen on hand or utilizing an inhaler for asthma.

If your AFC provider suggests any of these modifications or treatments, it is crucial to follow their instructions. This way, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your child throughout the entire season. Most health concerns will not hinder children from participating in sports, they just may need some extra care before they can suit up to play.

Stop by AFC Tigard today and we’ll help get your sports season off to a safe and healthy start. We’re open daily with extended hours – no appointment necessary.