If your child is gearing up for a new sports season, chances are a sports physical (sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam) is required before they can hit the field, court, or track. These exams are designed to ensure your child is healthy enough to safely participate in physical activity, and they’re often mandatory for school and recreational sports. Whether this is your first time scheduling one or you’re just looking for a refresher, this blog will walk you through exactly what to expect during a sports physical and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Need a sports physical? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide exams. Just walk-in or schedule an appointment below!
Understanding The Importance of Sports Physicals
Sports physicals are more than just a formality– they’re a critical tool for detecting potential health issues before they become serious problems. Healthcare providers use the exam to identify:
- Undiagnosed heart or lung conditions
- Muscle or joint issues that may lead to injury
- Vision or hearing problems
- Signs of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
- Mental health concerns
The goal of the exam is to protect young athletes and ensure they’re physically ready to participate safely.
What Happens During The Exam?
A sports physical includes two main parts– the medical history review and the physical examination.
1. Medical History Review: Your provider will ask questions about your child’s personal and family medical history. This includes history of illnesses, past injuries, surgeries or hospitalizations, allergies, medications, and mental health. This information helps your provider assess risk factors and tailor the exam accordingly.
2. Physical Examination: During the exam, your provider will typically measure height and weight, check blood pressure and pulse, evaluate vision and hearing, examine the throat, ears, lungs, and abdomen, as well as assess posture and joint flexibility. The provider may also address puberty-related changes or nutrition, depending on your child’s age and activity level.
What Happens After The Exam?
If your child is cleared to participate, your medical provider will fill out the necessary school or league forms. Depending on their findings, they may recommend further testing, treatment for a newly discovered condition, or a short delay in participation until an issue is resolved. Most athletes pass their physicals with no issues, but early detection of concerns is why the exam is so valuable. Most schools require a physical once per year, and many require it to be completed a few weeks before the season starts.
What Should I Bring To The Appointment?
To help your visit go smoothly, it’s recommended to bring:
- Completed medical history form (often provided by the school or sports league)
- Immunization record
- Insurance card
- List of medications
- Any questions or concerns you may have
Get a Same-Day Sports Physical Exam at AFC Urgent Care Union City in Union City, NJ
Sports physicals are a simple but essential step in keeping young athletes healthy, safe, and prepared for a successful season. Knowing what to expect can help make the process fast, easy, and stress-free. Need a sports physical before the season starts? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City today– no appointment necessary! We’re open seven days a week to provide the highest quality of care. No appointments are required– just walk-in during operating hours! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the sports physicals, please contact us directly at (551) 257-1948.
