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Sports Physicals services offered at Pro-Health in Midland, MI
If you or your child participate in a school or intramural sports league, it’s important to undergo a sports physical before the start of a new season. At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our urgent care specialists and experienced doctors provide sports physicals to children, teens, and adults. After an exam, he can fill out the necessary paperwork and submit it to the proper authorities. To make an appointment in Midland, Michigan, call the office or book online today.
Sports Physicals Q & A
What are sports physicals?
A sports physical is an exam that determines if you’re healthy enough to play a sport or participate in other strenuous physical activities. Most school districts and organized sports leagues require athletes to participate in a sports physical at least once a year. Regular checkups can alert you to underlying issues that might increase your risk of an injury.
What happens during a sports physical?
At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, sports physicals include two steps:
Step one: Review of your medical history and a discussion of your lifestyle
At the beginning of a sports physical, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your lifestyle, including if you have any underlying medical conditions, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit substances, and if you take any prescription medication. Your provider also asks if you have allergies and about the type of sports you play.
Step two: Physical exam
After gathering that information, your provider conducts a physical exam. During the physical, they:
- Check your height, weight, and blood pressure
- Examine your skin for any moles or unusual growths
- Palpate your organs to assess their size and location
- Examine your muscles, bones, and joints
- Listen to your heart and respiratory rate
Your provider also orders lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis, to rule out conditions like high cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
If your provider determines that you’re healthy enough to play sports, they sign off on the paperwork provided by your school or sports league.
Why are sports physicals important?
Sports physicals are important because they can alert you to potential medical issues that might affect your athletic performance or increase the risk of an injury. For example, if you run and regularly experience knee pain, your provider can make recommendations to relieve inflammation and encourage your mobility.
Your provider can even provide tips and tricks for warming up and cooling down, to ensure you get the most from your workouts.
What if my provider uncovers a potential medical issue?
If your provider discovers a potential medical issue that might affect your performance on the court or playing field, they develop a custom treatment plan. For example, if you have plantar fasciitis, your provider might prescribe custom orthotics to relieve pressure on your heel and reduce inflammation.
If it’s been more than a year since your last sports physical, make an appointment at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland by calling the office or booking online today.