A sports physical is known as a pre-participation physical exam in the medical field. This will help determine if your child is physically able to safely participate in sporting activities. Anyone who wants to participate in a new exercise program or sport should talk with a healthcare professional before they start. Sports physicals provide a good way of doing that.

It is important to understand that sports physicals are not a substitute for an annual check-up. A sports physical will focus on the health history that could impact your child’s ability to safely participate in a sport. A sports physical covers many of the same things an annual physical will cover. It is still important to have an annual check-up even if your child has had a sports physical because other health areas will be checked.

The first part of the sports physical will include a check of your athlete’s vital signs. This will include a check on blood pressure and pulse. Weight and height will be checked and recorded. Growth spurts and weight changes have the ability to add stress to muscles, joints, and bones.

An eye exam will be done to check that your young athlete can see properly. This is a good time to see if glasses are required or if the prescription needs to be changed.

Next comes a review of the medical history. It is best to come to a sports physical with information regarding any recent or past illnesses, conditions, or surgeries. This information can help identify if there are any problems that need further testing or show a need for activity restrictions that could prevent future complications.

The last part is a fitness check. This is a thorough physical exam that will include checking the abdomen, heart, and lungs. These checks can provide information as to whether physical limitations are present, such as asthma, hernia, or other problems are present. A check on joints and flexibility is done, as well as posture, strength, and reflexes.

You will have to check with the urgent care clinic that you want to go to and find out if they offer sports physicals. Many urgent care clinics are offering sports physicals which make it much easier for people with busy schedules.

Burbank Urgent Care does offer sports physicals. We are open till 8 pm on weekdays and are open on weekends to make it easier for you and your child to get sports physicals.

A sports physical differs from an annual physical because of its focus. The sports physical reviews the current health of your child and medical history to make sure that your child is healthy enough to participate. This is also done to ensure that your child can safely participate.

An annual physical differs from a sports physical because it focuses on physical health and developmental and emotional aspects of your child’s health. Your doctor will look at the overall health of your child by doing a complete examination. This also includes a family medical history. The annual physical is a much more comprehensive look at your child’s health.

If your child requires a sports physical to participate in their favorite sport, give us a call and set up an appointment. We are open later than most doctors’ offices and are open on weekends to make this more convenient for you. We serve patients from Burbank CA, Glendale CA, Pasadena CA, Beverly Hills CA, San Fernando CA, La Crescenta-Montrose CA, and Kagel Canyon CA.