Being active and playing sports offers countless health benefits – exercise builds muscle, makes bones stronger and keeps our heart and lungs healthy. With the fall school sports season right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about sports physicals.
At McLaren Port Huron, we are ramping up to ensure your athletes are ready and healthy to get into the game. Our team of primary care physicians and pediatricians provide high-quality, personalized care for patients of all ages. Same-day appointments are available in several locations, for new and established patients, including sports physicals for student athletes.
What is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is a pre-participation physical exam that determines whether it's safe for an individual to join or participate in a particular sport, determine what level of play and what sports are appropriate for the athlete, and to identify potential health risks or the potential for injury. It also includes recommendations for how athletes can maintain their health and reduce their risk of injury.
What is involved in a Sports Physical?
During a sports physical, the health care provider conducts an evaluation of an athlete's medical history and family medical history and will ask about any issues with exercising or prior injuries, including concussions.
The second part involves a physical exam, where the provider measures height, weight, blood pressure, visual acuity, checks vital organs, and performs tests to evaluate overall flexibility and strength. The provider may adapt the exam based on the sport the athlete will be participating in. For example, for a track athlete, the provider may pay extra attention to the legs, ankles and feet, and for a baseball player, the provider may pay extra attention to the arms and shoulders. The provider will then evaluate the results of the exam and provide clearance for the athlete to participate in sports, or, if problems are found, recommend additional testing or evaluations.
When is the best time for a Sports Physical and how much do they cost?
The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires an up-to-date sports physical for all students who will participate in athletics during the school year. Most fall sports start practice before the school year begins and will require the sports physical. We recommend scheduling the appointment before the last-minute rush. Sports physicals are $20 and are not billed to insurance.
Same-day sports physicals are available at three locations:
McLaren Port Huron Marysville Family Medicine
Dr. Sonali Vashi, Pediatrics
1750 Busha Highway
Marysville, MI 48040
(810) 364-4130
McLaren Port Huron St. Clair Health Center
Laura Karadimas, FNP
1163 South Carney Drive
St. Clair, MI 48079
(810) 561-8450
McLaren Port Huron Primary Care
Dr. Vladimir Stefan
1216 Richardson Street
Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 987-6218
Call the office for same day availability, or schedule online for next day appointments at www.mclaren.org/SEMsportsphysicals.