Sports Physicals

Often when you want to participate in a team sport, a physical is required to get cleared to play. At WellCare Urgent Care center in Grand Rapids we offer sports physicals in a timely manner, so you don’t have to take too much time out of your day for it.


Request a Physical Examination for Playing Sports

When you or a child wants to participate in sports at school or in teams in your local community, you may need to have a professional physical examination from a physician. You don’t need to wait for several weeks for an appointment with your primary physician because urgent care centers offer this service. Make sure to bring along the forms that are required along with your insurance information so that you can have a physical performed as quickly as possible. We recommend making a copy of your immunization record so that you can complete the form in a timely manner. For sports, you are required to have the appropriate vaccines to protect you from some of the most dangerous diseases that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact or with droplets from body fluids.

We Perform a Thorough Examination

A physician will weigh a patient along with checking the patient’s height against a chart to determine if the individual is underweight or obese. You may need a urinalysis test to determine if you have urinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus or other health issues. With a blood test, a physician can learn if you are anemic or have an infection in your body. It is a good idea to learn if you have a health issue that could make it dangerous to participate in some types of sports. You will also want to have your lungs checked to learn if you have asthma so that you can avoid respiratory distress while you are playing sports.

Preventing Injuries While Playing Sports

If a physician finds a medical problem, then it is better to learn about it before playing a sport that could make the condition worse. During the evaluation, a physician can make recommendations about participating in sports to avoid an injury, including:

  • Wearing the type of helmet that is suggested for a particular sport
  • Using a face guard while playing some types of sports
  • Wearing pads on the knees, elbows, shoulders, or other areas of the body
  • Using special goggles to protect your eyeballs and surrounding areas
  • Wearing a mouth guard to protect your gums and teeth.
  • Having protective devices for the genital region of the body
  • Wearing gloves to protect the hands and fingers

Frequently Asked Questions about Sports Physicals

Do I need to bring anything to a sports physical?

You or your child will want to bring your insurance information, any forms from the school or sports organization you're participating in, and your immunization records. You'll also want to bring any medical and medication records.

How can a sports physical help prevent injuries?

During a sports physical, your physician will let you know ways you can prevent injuries while playing sports. They can tell you the types of helmets to wear, when to use faceguards, what protective devices you should use to prevent injury, and what special goggles to wear to protect your eyes.

Can you fail a sports physical?

Failing a sports physical is pretty rare, but if your physician finds respiratory issues, a hernia, or you have a history of head injuries, they may determine that participating in sports is not right for you.

Will I need to fast before a sports physical?

Not necessarily. If they run blood tests, they may have you fast beforehand, but other than that, you likely won't need to fast.

What occurs during a sports physical?

During a sports physical, a physician will take your weight and height. They may also take a urinalysis to test if urinary tract infections, diabetes, or other health issues are a problem. They may also perform a blood test to look for infections and anemia. They will also perform a full physical exam and may test the lungs to see if you have asthma or other respiratory problems.

Come into WellCare

When you or your child want to participate in sports, it’s a good idea to get a physical examination to make sure that you are healthy and able to participate. Come into WellCare Urgent Care today to learn more about physical examinations for sports. You can schedule a same-day appointment at our Cascade and Leonard offices online.

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