Youth sports continue to grow in popularity and are increasingly competitive. That means many young athletes are training harder and performing at higher levels than ever before. While being active is essential for healthy development, it’s important to make sure young athletes are physically prepared for the demands of their sport. That’s why many schools, clubs and camps require that every student athlete complete a sports physical before they play.
If you’re a parent, we encourage you to check this important exam off your back-to-school preparation list early this summer at Coastal Urgent Care. Whether your young athlete is joining a new team or gearing up for their final high school season, getting a sports physical ensures they’re ready to hit the ground running safely. By evaluating overall health and physical condition, sports physicals support safe participation and optimal performance in athletic activities.
Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations, are essential health screenings for young athletes. These exams evaluate a child’s fitness level, check for pre-existing medical conditions and assess risk factors that could make participation in sports unsafe.
During a physical for sports at Coastal Urgent Care, our healthcare providers thoroughly review your child’s medical history and perform a comprehensive physical exam. We check everything from heart and lung function to joint flexibility and muscle strength. Most schools and athletic programs require that students complete a sports physical before participating in tryouts, practices or games. This ensures your child’s body is physically prepared for the school year ahead.
1. Beat the back-to-school rush.
By taking care of your child’s physical during the summer, you can avoid the last-minute scramble in August when urgent care clinics and pediatricians see a rush of students. Many schools and athletic programs require that completed sports physical forms be submitted before the first practice.
2. Prepare for fall sports conditioning.
Most fall sports begin training in late July or early August. With higher temperatures and more intense workouts, summer is a common time for sports-related injuries and conditions like heat exhaustion or dehydration. A timely sports physical helps ensure your child is physically ready and aware of how to stay safe in hot weather and into the fall.
3. Convenient walk-in appointments during summer break.
Without the demands of school, summer is the perfect time to take care of health-related appointments. When you search for “urgent care near me,” you’ll find that Coastal Urgent Care offers extended hours and walk-in availability, making it easy to fit a sports physical into your summer schedule.
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during a typical physical for sports at Coastal Urgent Care.
If any concerns arise during the exam, our experienced providers will guide you through the next steps, whether that means further evaluation or a follow-up with a specialist.
Preventing injuries in young athletes starts long before the first game. By making sports physicals a regular part of your child’s health routine, you’re laying the foundation for a safe, successful and enjoyable sports experience.
Whether your child is gearing up for football, basketball, soccer or swimming, search for “urgent care near me” and walk in for a sports physical at Coastal Urgent Care today.