If your child is gearing up for a new sports season, you may find yourself Googling “sports physicals near me”—but do not stop there. While a sports physical checks whether your child is ready for physical activity, a wellness exam (also called a well-child visit) is a more complete check on their growth and overall health. Understanding the difference helps you make sure your child is getting the care they need at the right time.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is a focused medical exam that checks to make sure your child is physically able to participate in sports. It usually includes:
- A review of your child’s medical history
- A physical exam checking heart, lungs, joints, and flexibility
- Questions about previous injuries or symptoms during exercise
The goal is to spot anything that might make sports unsafe—like undiagnosed heart issues or joint problems—and to make sure your child can play safely. Many schools and sports teams require this exam before the season starts.
Why it matters: Sports physicals can prevent injuries and ensure that your child is physically prepared to play. It’s a quick, preventive check with safety in mind.
What Is a Wellness Exam (Well-Child Visit)?
A wellness exam is a comprehensive visit that looks at your child’s overall physical, emotional, and developmental health. It typically includes:
- A head-to-toe physical exam
- Growth and development tracking
- Vaccines and immunization updates
- Screening for vision, hearing, and mental health
- Talk about nutrition, sleep, and behavior
These visits are tailored to your child’s age and stage of life. They are also a great time for parents to ask questions about school readiness, puberty, screen time, and more.
Why it matters: Wellness exams help catch health issues early, keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, and build a trusted relationship with a healthcare provider.
Which One Do You Need?
If your child is due for their annual check-up, their pediatrician may be able to complete the sports physical during the same visit. However, not all care settings are equipped to do both at once.
At our Cameron Park urgent care clinic, we specialize in sports physicals—making it easy to check the box for school or sports team requirements. We’re open seven days a week with walk-in and same-day appointments available.
We make it easy to get the care your child needs, when you need it most.
