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Sports Physicals
Many schools and community athletic programs require student and adult athletes to participate in annual sports physicals. At Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center, the team of urgent care specialists regularly offers sports physicals to children, teens, and adults. If you or your child needs a sports physical before next season starts, don’t wait to schedule a visit. To make an appointment, call the office in Tacoma, Washington, or request an appointment online today.
Sports Physicals
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What are sports physicals?
A sports physical is a routine checkup that assesses whether you’re physically fit enough to play sports or participate in other strenuous physical activity.
Many schools and organized athletic programs require participants to undergo a sports physical at least once a year. Doing so can alert you to underlying medical issues that could affect your ability to participate safely in sports.
What happens during a sports physical?
The Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center team tailors sports physicals to each individual’s needs. Even so, most sports physicals include:
Medical history
Your provider reviews your health history and asks about your physical activity level, the sport (or sports) you play, and whether you take any over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications or supplements.
Tell them about any medical diagnoses you’ve received, including high blood pressure, heart disease, or hearing or vision impairments. These conditions won’t necessarily prevent you from passing the exam, but it’s important that the team is aware.
Physical exam
Next, your provider completes a comprehensive physical exam. They:
- Check your vital signs
- Weigh and measure you
- Examine your skin for unusual growths or moles
- Gently press on your abdomen to assess the size and location of your internal organs
- Test your hearing and vision
- Test your reflexes
- Order blood testing and urinalysis
After gathering the necessary information, your provider determines whether you’ve passed or failed the physical.
How are sports physicals graded?
Sports physicals aren’t graded per se, but they generally result in one of four clearance decisions:
- Clears you for exercise without any restrictions
- Clears you for exercise with restrictions
- Tentatively withholds clearance
- Disqualifies you
Most people are cleared for physical activity, but if you have a serious medical condition that could make participation unsafe, your provider may restrict or withhold clearance until you undergo further evaluation.
What happens after passing a sports physical?
If you or your child passes your sports physical, your Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center provider fills out paperwork that you can submit to your school or sports league. This paperwork is typically valid for at least 12 months, although requirements vary by school and athletic organization.
It’s best to ask your sports organization whether they require a specific physical form and bring that form to the exam.
To schedule a sports physical for yourself or your child, call the Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center office or book your appointment online today.