Where Can I Get a Physical for Sports?

Many parents ask themselves, “Where can I get a physical for sports?” The answer may be simpler than you think. You can find a variety of sports physicals at your local urgent care.

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Introduction

Anyone who wants to participate in a sport must have a physical examination. The physical must be done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is licensed to practice medicine in the United States. The physical should be done no more than six months before the start of the sports season.

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a type of medical examination completed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to determine if it is safe for a child or adolescent to participate in a sport. The physical helps to identify pre-existing medical conditions that might put the young athlete at risk for injuries during their participation in the sport.

The provider will also give guidance on any necessary precautions that should be taken based on the findings of the physical. For example, if an athlete has asthma, the provider may recommend carrying an inhaler with them at all times during practices and games.

In most cases, a sports physical is not as comprehensive as a well child checkup. The provider will not address every aspect of the child’s health during this visit but will focus specifically on anything that might affect their ability to safely participate in their chosen sport.

When should I get a sports physical?

You should get a sports physical at least six to eight weeks before the start of your sports season. This will give you time to get any necessary immunizations or other preventive care, such as a flu shot. Depending on your health history and the recommendations of your doctor, you might need to get a sports physical more often.

How often should I get a sports physical?

There is no definitive answer, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children should have a sports physical at least every year. This is because their bodies are constantly changing and growing, which can impact their ability to safely participate in sports.

The AAP also recommends that pre-teens and teens receive a sports physical every two years if they are participating in a sport that has minimal risk of injury. These types of sports include swimming, golf, track and field, and cross country. However, if they are participating in a sport with a higher risk of injury, such as football or hockey, the AAP suggests that they receive a physical every year.

In addition to an annual or bi-annual sports physical, the AAP also recommends that athletes have a “pre-participation evaluation” (PPE) before starting any new sport or activity. This type of physical is meant to identify any underlying health conditions that could potentially increase the risk of injuries or other complications during athletic activities.

What does a sports physical involve?

A sports physical is a type of examination used to determine whether it is safe for you to participate in a particular sport. The purpose of the exam is to identify any potential health or orthopedic problems that could prevent you, or put you at risk for injury if you participate in the sport.

The exam will generally involve a thorough medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes additional tests such as X-rays or MRI.

How much does a sports physical cost?

The cost of a sports physical can vary depending on the doctor you see and your insurance coverage. typically, a sports physical costs less than $100. Some insurance plans cover sports physicals 100%, while others may require you to pay a copay or coinsurance.

Where can I get a sports physical?

There are a few places you can go to get a sports physical. Your primary care doctor or pediatrician can give you a sports physical. You can also go to urgent care, some pharmacies, and some athletic training facilities. Be sure to call ahead and make sure they offer sports physicals before you go.

Conclusion

Here are some options for where you can get a physical for sports:

-Your doctor’s office
-A sports medicine clinic
-An urgent care clinic
-A community health center