Sports Physicals are an annual necessity for the active athlete’s lifestyle. Especially if the person is still in school, a majority of schools require them. Even if it is not required by the school, it is still recommended for health reasons. The last thing you want is to send your child out, or yourself out, onto a field of play that increases the chance for an injury to occur which could’ve been dealt with prior to the activity.
A physical is required in Wake County before students are permitted to participate in organized sports. The form for Wake County schools is available for download by clicking here for High School, or here for Middle School. Fill out the required information and bring to RX Urgent Care for the physical examination. College students should obtain the proper paperwork from the college they attend and bring with them at the time of the physical.
Students needing a sports physical, ages 12 and up can be seen at our Blue Ridge Road location. **Students needing anything other than a sports physical must be 16 years of age or older (Blue Ridge location only).
Students of all ages will be seen at the Durant Road location for sports physicals or any other medical necessity.
What is included in a sports physical?
In general, there are two sections to a sports physical. The first is medical history of the patient and of the family. This helps aid the physician in the second part which is an overall examination of health. This determines whether the patient is healthy and in a physical state which is safe to play sports. Sports physicals are a measure taken to prevent injury to a child who may be predisposed to a certain condition. These physicals can be life-saving.
The Medical History segment includes questions surrounding these topics:
- past surgery, hospitalization or conditions
- family history of illness
- illnesses the child may currently have or had
- past injuries
- allergies (plant, insects, medication)
- history of dizziness, passing out, chest pain or trouble breathing during exercise
- current medications including supplements
The Physical Exam includes the following:
- examining lungs, heart, nose, ears, and throat
- recording height and weight
- taking blood pressure and heart rate readings
- vision check
- genital exam (male)
- hernia check (male)
- joint, neck, back exam
RX Urgent Care
RXUC cares about the health of your child, now and when they begin their sport. We want to help you prepare your child for a full and healthy season of athletic play. For more information, give us a call at our Raleigh, NC offices 919.719.2250.
