Sports Physical Exam Clinic in Fresno, CA

A sports physical exam typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual’s health history and any specific requirements from the sports organization. At Fresno Medical Center, our providers take time to carefully review your child’s medical background, including previous injuries, chronic conditions, medications, and family health history. This ensures a thorough understanding of their overall health before the physical portion begins. The exam includes checking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight, along with an assessment of the heart, lungs, and abdomen. Vision screening is often included as well to ensure your child meets the visual standards needed for safe participation in sports.

The musculoskeletal evaluation follows, focusing on joint flexibility, balance, strength, and posture. This helps identify any areas that might increase the risk of injury during athletic activities. If your child has a complex medical history or if additional testing is needed—such as heart rhythm checks or follow-up on previous injuries—the visit may take slightly longer. Our team at Fresno Medical Center ensures every step of the exam is done thoroughly, so parents and athletes leave confident that it’s safe to compete and enjoy their sport throughout the season.

A sports physical exam, often called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), helps determine if it’s safe for a child or teen to participate in athletic activities. During this visit, our healthcare providers conduct a thorough evaluation to assess overall health and fitness levels while checking for any conditions that could interfere with sports performance or increase injury risk.

A sports physical exam consists of two main parts: a medical history review and a physical examination. During the medical history review, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, medications, and any previous injuries, such as fractures or concussions. They may also ask about your family’s medical history, particularly regarding heart disease, asthma, or other conditions that could affect your ability to play sports safely. This discussion helps identify any potential health risks before you begin athletic activities.

The physical exam portion includes measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, along with checking your vision and hearing. Your provider will also examine your heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, flexibility, and muscle strength to ensure your body is ready for physical activity. Some exams may include posture and balance checks or tests for endurance. The goal is to confirm that you’re healthy enough to participate in sports and to catch any issues that might need attention before competition or training begins.

Our primary goal of the sports physical exam at Fresno Medical Center is to identify any medical or physical conditions that could limit your ability to participate safely in sports. We address any health concerns you may have and provide guidance on injury prevention, so you can perform at your best. After the exam, you will receive either clearance to participate or recommendations for further evaluation or treatment if needed.

At Fresno Medical Center, we understand the importance of sports physical exams in safeguarding your child’s health and academic success. If a sports physical reveals a problem, our team will discuss the findings with you in detail to ensure you understand what was discovered and what steps to take next. Some issues might be temporary, such as a minor injury or an elevated blood pressure reading, while others could require further evaluation before your child is cleared to participate in sports. We’ll review the results carefully and may suggest additional testing or a follow-up visit to make sure your child’s health and safety come first.

In many cases, these findings don’t necessarily mean your child can’t play sports—they may simply need treatment, rest, or adjustments to their activity level. Our goal is to help your child return to sports safely and confidently. We’ll provide recommendations, guidance on managing the condition, and, when necessary, coordinate care with your primary physician or a specialist to ensure proper recovery and readiness for physical activity.

At Fresno Medical Center, we want to make sure your child’s sports physical is as thorough and stress-free as possible.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your upcoming appointment:

• Bring Required Forms:

Check with your sports team or organization for any forms that need to be completed by your healthcare provider. Bring these forms to your appointment to ensure everything is properly filled out.

• Gather Medical History:

Prepare a list of your past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, and any medications or supplements you take. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them along for your vision screening.

• Review Family Health History:

Be ready to discuss your family’s medical background, especially conditions like heart disease, asthma, or other hereditary health issues that might affect athletic participation.

• Wear Comfortable Clothing:

Dress in loose, comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in. This makes it easier for your provider to check flexibility, posture, and movement during the physical exam.

• Bring Medical Devices:

If you use inhalers, braces, or other medical aids, bring them to your appointment. They help your provider assess how well your body is prepared for sports activities.

• Eat Light and Stay Hydrated:

Having a light meal and drinking water before your exam can help maintain stable blood pressure and energy during testing.

• Be Open and Honest:

Share any symptoms you’ve had, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain during activity. Open communication helps your provider ensure your safety before giving sports clearance.

At Fresno Medical Center, we’re committed to supporting your child’s health and helping them succeed in both academics and athletics. If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to seeing you!

At Fresno Medical Center, Dr. Gurmej Dhillon, MD, brings a detailed and attentive approach to every sports physical exam, ensuring athletes receive comprehensive medical evaluations tailored to their needs.

Comprehensive Evaluation by Dr. Dhillon

Drawing on his expertise in internal medicine, Dr. Dhillon conducts in-depth assessments that go beyond basic checkups. He carefully reviews each athlete’s medical history, past injuries, heart and lung function, joint flexibility, and muscle strength to detect potential issues before they interfere with performance.

Dr. Dhillon’s Focus on Athlete Health and Performance

Dr. Dhillon prioritizes the long-term health and safety of athletes by identifying early warning signs and providing preventive recommendations. He takes time to discuss training routines, nutrition, and recovery strategies, helping athletes understand how to optimize their physical readiness for competition.

Dr. Dhillon’s Commitment to Individualized Care

Every sports physical performed by Dr. Dhillon is guided by his dedication to accuracy, thoroughness, and personalized attention. His commitment ensures that each athlete receives the medical insight and support needed to maintain overall well-being and sustain high performance throughout the season.

Contact us now for more information or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6069 N First St # 103, Fresno, CA 93710. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, West Park CA, Mayfair CA, Muscatel CA, Burness CA, Lone Star CA and surrounding areas.