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Sports Physicals
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35 instant-book locations

8356 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 231168356 Bell Creek Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.85(3.3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

KidMed, Mechanicsville - 8356 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville
Super experiencia lo recomiendo todos son amables y respetuosos
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4687 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 230594687 Pouncey Tract Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.83(3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

KidMed, West End - 4687 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen
Your staff is excellent! Always very helpful and bedside manner is incredible.
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5021 Craig Rath Blvd, Midlothian, VA 231125021 Craig Rath Blvd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.88(3.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

Kidmed, Southside - 5021 Craig Rath Blvd
As a mother I always want the best for my kids. Kidmed Southside ALWAYS gave us an Excellent service!
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3514 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 232213514 W Cary St
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, W Cary St, Richmond - 3514 W Cary St, Richmond

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5001 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 232305001 W Broad St
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, W Broad St, Richmond - 5001 W Broad St, Richmond

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3001 Lauderdale Dr, Richmond, VA 232333001 Lauderdale Dr
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Lauderdale Dr, Richmond - 3001 Lauderdale Dr, Richmond

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12 N Thompson St, Richmond, VA 2322112 N Thompson St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.0(42 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Carytown - 12 N Thompson St, Richmond
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4903 Nine Mile Rd, Richmond, VA 232234903 Nine Mile Rd
View hours of operation
  • MonClosed
  • TueClosed
  • WedClosed
  • ThuClosed
  • FriClosed
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
MedExpress Urgent Care, Richmond - 4903 Nine Mile Rd
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7238 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 231117238 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.25(16 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Mechanicsville - 7238 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville
Quickly seen to and they were so careful and kind to my mother.
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8110 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 232358110 Midlothian Turnpike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.0(24 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Midlothian - 8110 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield
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7048 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 231117048 Mechanicsville Tpke
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville - 7048 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville

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2300 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 232282300 E Parham Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.0(19 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Woodman - 2300 E Parham Rd, Richmond
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8040 W Broad St, Henrico, VA 232948040 W Broad St
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
MedExpress Urgent Care, Richmond - 8040 W Broad St
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9275 Chamberlayne Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 231169275 Chamberlayne Rd
Open until11:59 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pm
1.58(13 reviews)
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8901 Three Chopt Rd, Richmond, VA 232298901 Three Chopt Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
2.35(17 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

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2205 N Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 232292205 N Parham Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.91(22 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Parham - 2205 N Parham Rd, Richmond
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9851 Brook Rd, Glen Allen, VA 230599851 Brook Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.0(1 reviews)
Went there the other evening for Covid testing the nurses and the total staff were very professional, I was a little scared to take the test and they made me feel very comfortable in doing so my experience was great.
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10220 Staples Mill Rd, Glen Allen, VA 2306010220 Staples Mill Rd
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • SunClosed
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9211 Burge Ave, Richmond, VA 232379211 Burge Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Concentra Urgent Care, Richmond South - 9211 Burge Ave, Richmond
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11603 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 2311311603 Midlothian Turnpike
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
MedExpress Urgent Care, Midlothian - 11603 Midlothian Turnpike
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9900 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA 230609900 W Broad St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
1.82(14 reviews)
Concentra Urgent Care, Innsbrook - 9900 W Broad St, Glen Allen
Great facility to get a DOT. Professional, didn't have to wait long.
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12731 Stone Village Way, Midlothian, VA 2311312731 Stone Village Way
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
4.3(120 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

AFC Urgent Care, Midlothian - 12731 Stone Village Way, Midlothian
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4101 Dominion Blvd, Glen Allen, VA 230604101 Dominion Blvd
Open until 3:30 pm
  • Mon10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Tue10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Wed10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Thu10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Fri10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sat10:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • SunUnknown
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11020 Hull St Rd, Midlothian, VA 2311211020 Hull St Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.12(25 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Genito - 11020 Hull St Rd, Midlothian
It was the best! My husband was very sick, he HATES going to the doctor, so when he asked to make him a doctors appointment, I know it's serious. Since we live so far away I called and got the tele-health visit. Filled out the request, someone called me back almost immediately, my wait time for the doctor was less than 5 minutes and she was wonderful. Will definately use this system again. Hubby is on his way to recovery! Thank you Patient First!
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13180 Midlothian Tpke, Midlothian, VA 2311313180 Midlothian Tpke
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian - 13180 Midlothian Tpke, Midlothian

AVAILABLE TIMES

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3370 Pump Rd, Richmond, VA 232333370 Pump Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.5(33 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Short Pump - 3370 Pump Rd, Richmond
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11271 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen, VA 2305911271 Nuckols Rd
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
5.0(1 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen - 11271 Nuckols Rd, Glen Allen
Nurse practitioner was great! Very knowledgeable and caring. Will definitely use again.

AVAILABLE TIMES

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13710 St Francis Blvd, Midlothian, VA 2311413710 St Francis Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Visit Clinic

12101 S Chalkley Rd, Chester, VA 2383112101 S Chalkley Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.74(19 reviews)
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Chester - 12101 S Chalkley Rd, Chester
I drove up and the parking lot was completely full. My thoughts were that there would be a long wait. Walked in and only a few people in the waiting room. I was checked in within 5 mnutes of my arrival. I was seen within 10 minutes of arriving. The doctor came in within 5 minutes of my being put into a patient area. The doctor (whose name I do not remember and I have thrown away all paperwork) was extremely nice. He reminds me of the doctors that people remark, "He has such a good bedside manner." First impressions with patients really do matter. And he gave a very good first impression. He was professionally and friendly and an excellent communicator. He provided an ancedote on what I was experiencing. That really helped. I have been to this Patient First before and have taken a good friend there. Each time has been a good experience. The staff are nice and each doctor that I have seen is friendly and able to diagnosis the problem. I like this Patient First better than my Primary Care Physician and have even inquired as to using them as my PCP. I was in and out within 30 minutes and recommend them highly.
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2937 Fox Chase Ln, Midlothian, VA 231122937 Fox Chase Ln
Open until10:00 pm
  • Mon 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Tue 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Wed 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Thu 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Fri 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Sat12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Sun12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
5.0(3 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

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221 E Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836221 E Hundred Rd
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, E Hundred Rd, Chester - 221 E Hundred Rd, Chester

AVAILABLE TIMES

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15564 WC Commons Way, Midlothian, VA 2311315564 WC Commons Way
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
2.2(15 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

amazing staff and providers. Very efficient can caring.
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13800 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 2311213800 Hull Street Rd
Open until 7:30 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
1.0(1 reviews)
MinuteClinic® at CVS®, Hull St Rd, Midlothian - 13800 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian

AVAILABLE TIMES

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1260 Temple Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 238341260 Temple Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
3.0(22 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

Patient First Primary and Urgent Care , Colonial Heights - 1260 Temple Ave, Colonial Heights
I had my first and second visit this week; the staff was all amazing and caring. The service was quick and I as a nurse was very impressed.
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, Prince George, VA 23875
4.99(21 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

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Sports Physicals FAQs

  • What do they do at a sports physical?

    According to the National Library of Medicine, a sports physical normally includes a chat about your medical history as well as a physical examination. A sports physical is intended to detect any potential health issues that may be caused or exacerbated by sports, as well as to manage chronic diseases or injuries that may prevent you from participating in specific activities.

  • What is a physical exam?

    During a physical exam, your doctor will examine and evaluate your body to see whether you have any physical health issues. According to the National Library of Medicine, a physical examination normally entails your doctor visually inspecting your body, feeling it with their fingers or hands, and listening to it (such as your heart).

  • What if you don’t pass a sports physical?

    According to Texas A&M University, if your doctor detects a concern that could jeopardize your health and safety while participating in sports, they will work with you to identify and address the issue before the start of the season, if possible. Your doctor may recommend that you use a medical device such as a brace or send you to a specialist for additional treatment, according to the University.

  • What sports are common for sports physicals?

    According to the National Library of Medicine, most states and schools require you to acquire a sports physical before participating in any activity.

  • What happens at a physical for a woman?

    Women's sports physicals are comparable to men's. According to Texas A&M University, men and women get full physicals, but women don't get a pelvic check. According to the university, some female athletes may develop eating problems as a result of not eating enough while keeping active, which can disrupt their menstrual cycles. Females may consult their doctors about diet and eating habits that will keep them healthy in these situations.

  • Where can I get a sports physical for my child in Virginia?

    According to Texas A&M University, a sports physical for a child can be done at the school or with your health care physician during a well-child appointment. Consult your child's pediatrician to see if the clinic provides sports physicals or if they may recommend you to someone who does.

  • Where can I get a sports physical near me in Virginia?

    Type "sports physicals near me" into Solv's search engine to find a nearby sports physical in Virginia. Only the highest-rated healthcare providers are included on Solv, making it simple to find a good sports physical or urgent care center in your neighborhood. Browse providers on Solv's home page today and book a same-day or next-day appointment.

Recent Sports Physicals Reviews (2)

Wait time only gets four stars because of the large number of Covid related testing and flu season. That four star rating is only for today’s experience and is what would be the case at any location in mid December ***. HOWEVER, this is a great location and Ms. Zuck andAshley and Paula are really great! So is the other lady, whose name I have forgotten and who is married to the male nurse. This branch and the services it provides to our community at our end of Stafford County, VA is a huge positive. Never had a bad experience in all these years. I recommend this location all of the time. It is perfect for the many needs that we have, such as shots, sports physicals, even Covid testing. So, thank you for having located the office off of White Oak road! Good quality all of the way around. Thank you for serving our community.

- Verified patient on 12/16

Went in for a last minute sports physical and was very pleased with the service provided. The staff was very friendly and thorough.

- Verified patient on 4/11

Virginia Sports Physicals

A sports physical can assist you and your doctor in determining whether or not it is safe for you or your child to engage in sporting activities. Understanding what happens during a sports physical will help you prepare for your appointment and choose the correct practitioner.

What is a sports physical?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the purpose of a sports physical is to discover health issues or concerns that may place you at increased risk for injury, illness, or death when participating in sports (NIH). Before each new school year or sports season, most schools require pupils to obtain a sports physical.

The usual sports physical, according to Texas A&M University, involves an in-depth discussion of your medical history as well as a physical examination. Your doctor will sign any appropriate school paperwork if your health is in good standing, allowing you to continue participating in your sport of choice. If your doctor suspects a medical problem, you may be advised to undergo more testing or wear a special protective equipment such as a brace while participating in sports, according to the university.

Medical history

During a sports physical, your doctor will most likely inquire about your personal and family medical histories. According to Texas A&M University, common family medical history queries center on a family history of heart illness and certain cardiac diseases such as arrhythmia and Marfan syndrome. Your doctor may also inquire as to whether anyone in your family died of heart disease abruptly or early (before the age of 50).

Your doctor may inquire about your personal medical history, such as if you have asthma or other breathing issues, headaches, a history of concussion, or if you have ever experienced significant weariness when exercising. Your doctor may also inquire if you've ever been diagnosed with a heart murmur, according to Texas A&M University.

According to the University, the goal of these discussions is to identify any potential health issues that may arise while or as a result of participating in sports.

Physical examination

Your vital signs, vision, and hearing will all be checked during the physical examination. According to Texas A&M University, heart and lung disorders are among the most common health concerns among doctors who give sports physicals. According to the University, doctors also check for muscle and joint disorders and make sure you don't have any issues with your head, shoulders, back, or knees.

If you have a history of joint instability or twisted ankles, your doctor may offer particular strengthening exercises or a change in diet if you are overweight, according to the University. This is also a good opportunity to talk to your doctor about ways to increase your physical fitness before the sports season begins.

Why is a sports physical important?

According to the National Library of Medicine, a sports physical is crucial because it teaches you how to avoid accidents while playing sports and how to conduct particular activities safely if you have a chronic medical condition (NLM).

A sports physical can also identify whether you are in excellent health, have any current ailments, and were born with any diseases that may enhance your risk of injury, according to the National Library of Medicine. A sports physical also assesses your level of physical fitness and body maturity.

When and where should I go for a sports physical?

According to Texas A&M University, you should plan your sports physical test four to eight weeks before the start of the sports season. This allows your doctor adequate time to look into and answer any issues you may have during your initial consultation. It also offers you additional time to see a medical specialist for treatment of your disease or injury, if necessary.

According to Texas A&M University, a sports physical can be paired with a wellness exam or a well-child visit. It goes on to say that sports physicals may be performed on campus at your child's school in some cases. Request information from your doctor about where you or your children can get a sports physical.

What if there’s a problem?

If your doctor determines that you or your kid has a health or medical issue that prevents you or your child from participating in sports, he or she may work with you to treat the problem or refer you to a specialist who can. According to Texas A&M University, scheduling your sports physical four to eight weeks before the start of the season can usually provide you enough time to address and resolve concerns so you can continue with your sports activity.

Do I still have to get a regular physical?

According to the National Library of Medicine, a sports physical does not replace a regular physical or routine checkup. Consult your doctor to find out when your next routine physical is due and what might be on the yearly physical exam checklist so you can be prepared for your appointment.

Who needs a sports physical?

According to the National Institutes of Health, children and teens who wish to participate in sports are normally required by their schools to acquire a sports physical before the start of the new school year or sports season. If you participate in community sports and activities, a sports physical may be advantageous. Before participating in any athletic activity, check with your doctor to see if you or your child requires a sports physical.

Sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

  1. Sports Physicals (August 8, 2021)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556111/
  2. The importance of sports physicals (August 6, 2019)
    https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/the-importance-of-sports-physicals/
  3. Sports physical (January 12, 2022)
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000673.htm
  4. Physical examination (January 12, 2022)
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002274.htm

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