Playing sports is fun. It also helps you stay strong and make friends. A sports physical helps keep you safe when you play. At Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care, we do sports physicals to make sure kids and adults can play with less risk of getting hurt.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is a checkup. A nurse or doctor looks at your body. They ask questions about your health. They check your heart, lungs, knees, and more. The check is quick and simple. It tells if you are ready to play.
What Happens During the Exam?
The exam has a few steps:
- We ask about past injuries and medicines.
- We check your height and weight.
- We listen to your heart and lungs.
- We test how your knees and ankles bend.
- We may do basic lab work if needed.
If the doctor sees something that needs more care, we help with tests or referrals.
Why Sports Physicals Keep You Safe
Sports physicals help in many ways:
- They find health problems before they cause trouble.
- They spot injuries that might get worse if you play.
- They check your heart for hidden problems.
- They check medicines that might affect playing.
When a problem is found early, the doctor can treat it. This keeps you safer on the field.
How Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care Help
Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care offers many health services that help athletes:
- We do sports, DOT, immigration, and workman’s comp physicals.
- We offer lab work and testing when needed.
- We treat injuries and common illnesses.
- We help with immunizations and diabetes care.
- We give medicine and referrals for more care.
We also have telemedicine from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can call us at 951-272-5900 to ask questions or book a visit.
Who Should Get a Sports Physical?
Kids going to school sports should get one. Teens who play club or travel sports should get one. Adults who join leagues or need a work fitness check should get one too. Even if you feel fine, a check can find small issues that could cause big problems later.
When Should You Get a Sports Physical?
Get a sports physical before the sports season starts. If you have had a new injury or a long illness, get checked again. Some schools and teams require a physical each year. At Medicross, we do fast exams to meet these needs.
Common Things a Doctor Looks For
Doctors look for things that can make playing unsafe:
- Past concussions or head injuries.
- Knee or ankle weakness from past sprains.
- Asthma or breathing trouble.
- High blood pressure or heart signs.
- Allergies that could cause a sudden reaction.
If any issue is found, the doctor will explain the steps to stay safe. That could mean rest, medicine, or a plan to play safely.
How a Sports Physical Can Help Prevent Injuries
A sports physical helps prevent injuries by:
- Finding weak spots so you can do strength or stretching exercises.
- Advising on shoes, braces, or tape for joints.
- Recommending safe ways to train and warm up.
- Treating small problems before they become big.
This means you can play longer and feel better.
What If the Doctor Finds a Problem?
If the doctor finds a problem, we take the next steps:
- We may order tests, like lab work.
- We may give medicine or a referral to a specialist.
- We give clear steps to follow so you can return to play safely.
Medicross helps with exams, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. We walk families through each step.
Telemedicine and Follow-Up Care
If you need quick advice, use telemedicine from 8 AM to 5 PM. Telemedicine is a phone or video call with our team. It can save a trip for simple questions. If you need an in-person check, our urgent care and primary care teams are ready.
Extra Services That Help Athletes
Medicross offers other services that help athletes stay healthy:
- Lab work for blood checks.
- Immunizations to prevent illness.
- Care for auto injuries that might affect play.
- Help with neck and back pain.
- Programs for weight loss and wellness.
These services keep the whole body ready for sports.
How Parents Can Help
Parents can help by:
- Making sure kids get a sports physical each year.
- Telling the doctor about any past injuries.
- Following the doctor’s advice about rest and treatment.
- Encouraging good sleep, healthy food, and warm-ups before play.
Medicross can answer parent questions and help schedule visits at 951-272-5900.
Final Thoughts
A sports physical is a small step that keeps play safe and fun. It helps find problems early and gives a plan to protect the athlete. At Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care, our team cares for people of all ages. We offer exams, testing, treatment, and telemedicine to help you stay healthy on and off the field. Call us at 951-272-5900 to learn more or make an appointment.
FAQs
Q. Do I need a sports physical every year?
Many teams ask for one every year. It is good to check each season.
Q. Will the exam hurt?
No. The exam is quick and does not hurt. The doctor just checks your body and asks questions.