We’re in the midst of sports physical season here at Coastal Urgent Care. These specialized physicals are a basic check-up that’s often required by athletic programs before they’ll allow kids to participate in sports. (The other term that’s used for a sports physical is a pre-participation physical exam (PPE).)
But why are sports physicals required? For people who don’t have access to a walk-in clinic, which makes it easy to get this check-up covered, it can seem like just one more hoop to jump through. But we’re big fans of the sports physical: it’s a non-invasive, low-stress and quick way to check in on your child’s health as it relates to activity. Coastal Urgent Care has clinics in Baton Rouge, Bossier, Gonzales, Haughton, Ruston and Slidell and they all offer sports physicals. Find the closest location to you here.
Although they’re not exhaustive (or exhausting!), sports physicals can identify concerns or issues that should be considered when your child is playing a sport. A professional medical opinion can be helpful so that you know to modify the sport or the drills your child participates in, or to make other accommodations. Issues that could come up include:
On the slight chance that a physical reveals an area of concern, you’ll be directed to the appropriate specialist for follow-up (you will probably be provided with a referral for insurance reasons) and a more detailed examination. (In that case, we ask that you check your insurance before proceeding. Helping to address and manage chronic or acute conditions is not included in the cost of a sports physical and we don’t want to surprise you with an additional bill.)
Most of the time, sports physicals are straightforward, in-and-out visits, and you exit with peace of mind and the documentation your child needs to play. Once complete, you’re typically good to go for another year.
Our goal is for the sports physical to be a low-stress visit! Just walk in to any Coastal Urgent Care clinic. You’ll fill out the usual intake paperwork about health history and medications. If possible, bring the form your athletic association or school is requiring. If you don’t have a printer at home, no problem – we can print it for you!
You can make a sports physical easier on your child by discussing what to expect ahead of time. Let them know the provider will do the following while talking with you and your child during the exam, so nothing is a surprise.
Because a sports physical is narrow in focus – emphasizing physical or endurance-related items, it does not stand in for other school or daycare check-up requirements. We can provide those types of exams, but they are more exhaustive than a sports physical. Like all our services, just walk in with the documents you need us to complete.
Most of the injuries we see at urgent care can happen at practice as easily as they can during a game. That means that every practice offers opportunities for injury prevention. Our blog “Coming out of hibernation safely” offers tips to prevent injuries and what to do if your child is injured.
These stay-safe tips always apply:
Pay attention to signals from the body related to over-use, take it easy and check in at urgent care if pain persists.
We’re emphatic about the benefits of sports: Not only do kids stay active and strong, but it’s a great way to learn how to be a good sport and work with others. Lessons learned will last a lifelong. From all of us at Coastal Urgent Care, have a great season!
Reviewed by: Katie Sanne, FNP-C
If you are in a situation that might be life-threatening, go straight to the emergency room or call 911. Situations like this include shortness of breath or breathing problems; seizures or ‘blackouts’; sudden vision problems; confusion or dizziness; heavy bleeding; possible breaks that appear to be deformed or blue, or that include bleeding; serious burns; the inability to speak or move; head and neck injuries.
* Parental consent required for patients under the age of 18.