SPORTS PHYSICAL EXAM NEAR ME
Schedule your child’s sports physical today
A sports physical is an essential step in ensuring your child's well-being and readiness for sports, camps, and other extracurricular activities.
At Newport Center Urgent Care, our experienced healthcare professionals provide a thorough examination, addressing early detection of health issues, vaccination updates, and physical preparedness for athletic participation.
What is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is a medical evaluation that may be required for children to participate in school sports, camps, and other extracurricular activities. The purpose of a sports physical is to ensure that the student or individual is healthy and fit to participate in the chosen activity, whether it be football, cross country, or dance. The goal of a sports physical is to reduce the risk of injury during the child's participation in sports.
Between 30-88% of sports physicals serve as the sole annual medical exam for many children and adolescents, presenting an opportunity to detect conditions unrelated to athletic involvement. A school physical not only prepares students for their activities but also potentially uncovers health issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Between 30-88% of sports physicals serve as the sole annual medical exam for many children and adolescents, presenting an opportunity to detect conditions unrelated to athletic involvement. A school physical not only prepares students for their activities but also potentially uncovers health issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Why Does My Child Need a Sports Physical?
There are several reasons for your child to undergo a school and sports physical exam. These are few reasons why your child might need a sports physical examination:
Early detection of health issues: Catching potential health problems early is always better than addressing them when they've become more serious. A sports physical can help identify any underlying issues that may require further attention or treatment.
Staying current with vaccinations: Ensuring your child is up-to-date with their vaccinations helps protect them from preventable illnesses and maintains a healthy school environment for all students.
Ensuring physical readiness: A school physical exam verifies your child's fitness for the demands of the school year, reducing the likelihood of injuries during physical education or other activities. It also provides an opportunity to discuss any sports-specific concerns or training recommendations.
Required by state, school, or sports organization: Many states, schools, and sports associations mandate sports physicals as a prerequisite for participation to ensure the safety and well-being of all student-athletes. They also might even be required for camp registration. Learn more about camp physicals here.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
During a sports physical, our healthcare professionals at Newport Center Urgent will:
Monitoring vital signs: The healthcare provider will check your child's blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and rhythm to ensure they are within a healthy range.
Measuring height and weight: Your child's height and weight will be recorded to monitor growth and development, as well as to help determine the appropriate recommendations.
Examining vision: An eye examination assesses your child's visual acuity and determines if they require prescription eyewear or if their existing prescription needs updating.
Assessing physical capabilities: The provider will evaluate your child's flexibility, joint stability, posture, and strength to identify areas for improvement or potential injury risks.
Conducting a general physical exam: The healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive examination, checking your child's ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen to ensure overall health and well-being.
Reviewing medical history: The healthcare provider will review both the patient’s and the family's medical history to identify any hereditary conditions or predispositions that could affect their ability to safely participate in sports and activities.
How to Prepare for a Sports Physical Exam?
To ensure the most accurate assessment during a sports physical, consider the following:
Ensure a good night's sleep before the exam
Fast (if bloodwork is required) as per the healthcare provider's instructions
Drink water to stay hydrated
Compile a list of your child's medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements
Bring any necessary paperwork or forms required by the school or sports organization
Difference Between Sports Physicals and Well-Child Visits
While both appointments focus on your child's wellness, school sports physicals are specifically tailored to suit their needs for their physical activities. These examinations assess their fitness levels and potential risks associated with participating in sports and other extracurricular activities.
Well-child visits, on the other hand, are comprehensive check-ups that focus on your child's overall health and development. These appointments cover a wider range of health aspects, including growth milestones, immunizations, and general health concern.
Well-child visits, on the other hand, are comprehensive check-ups that focus on your child's overall health and development. These appointments cover a wider range of health aspects, including growth milestones, immunizations, and general health concern.
Sports Physical at Newport Center Urgent Care
Our experienced providers perform physicals for children and teens of all ages, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed experience. We collaborate with you to complete the necessary paperwork, enabling your child to participate in school activities without any issues.
At Newport Center Urgent Care, our mission is to provide a fast and exceptional experience for every patient. Call us to schedule an appointment or learn about our services.
(949) 438-6690
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find out what you need to know about sports physical exams at Newport Center Urgent Care. Avoid the wait, and walk-in today!
Sports physicals are typically required annually to ensure your child remains healthy and fit to participate in sports and school activities. However, the frequency may vary depending on your child's specific needs and the requirements of the school or sports organization.
While a sports physical can provide valuable information about your child's overall health and fitness, it does not replace a well-child visit. A well-child visit is a more comprehensive assessment of your child's overall health, including developmental, emotional, and social aspects.
If your child has a pre-existing medical condition, it's essential to discuss it with the healthcare provider during the sports physical. The provider may need to take additional precautions, modify the examination, or provide specific recommendations to ensure your child's safety and well-being.
Many children with chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, can still participate in sports with proper management and precautions. Discuss your child's condition with the healthcare provider during the sports physical to develop an appropriate plan for safe participation.
To help your child prepare for the sports season, ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Encourage them to participate in pre-season conditioning programs or sport-specific training, and remind them of the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after activities.
Other SErvices
Newport Center Urgent Care can help you get the relief and medical care you need, quickly and easily. Conveniently located at Fashion Island in the Newport Center Medical Plaza, we are here for you and our neighboring communities.
