As spring rolls into Heber Valley, so does the excitement of outdoor sports, school teams, and community activities. Whether your child is gearing up for lacrosse, baseball, track, or dance, one important step needs to be checked off before the cleats are laced and the shin guards strapped: the sports physical.
The Wasatch County School District mandates that all health forms, including physical examination forms, must be submitted each year for students to participate in athletics.
As stated in Utah’s High School Pre-Participation Health Form, “all medical personnel that perform the pre-participation physical exam for student athletes will be required to be Board Certified.”
If you’ve recently found yourself searching “sports physicals near me” or wondering when and where to get your child evaluated, you’re not alone. These physicals are more than just a box to check off—they make sure your child is physically and mentally ready for the challenges of their sport while identifying potential health concerns before they become a problem. At Heber Valley Pediatrics, we provide a convenient, thorough, and compassionate sports physicals for children and teens of all ages with our board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioner.
Why Sports Physicals Matter
A sports physical (also called a pre-participation physical exam) is designed to assess whether a child or teen is healthy enough to participate in athletic activities. This exam focuses on a child’s overall health, with a special emphasis on the heart, lungs, bones, joints, and muscles—all critical to sports performance and safety.
It’s about more than just checking a box for school requirements. These physicals allow pediatricians to:
- Identify any undiagnosed medical conditions (like asthma or heart murmurs)
- Discuss injury prevention
- Ensure immunizations are up to date
- Evaluate mental health and emotional well-being in the context of competitive pressure
And if your child has a chronic condition like ADHD, diabetes, or epilepsy, our pediatrician heber located can help tailor their sports participation to their needs and offer guidance on how to manage their health while staying active.
Where to Get a Sports Physical in Heber Valley
If you’re typing “sports physicals near me” into a search bar, we’ve got you covered. At Heber Valley Pediatrics, we make it easy for families to get same-day appointments and walk-in sports physicals near me—especially helpful for those last-minute forms or unexpected sports tryouts. Our walk-in hours (Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are perfect for busy families who need flexibility.
Our providers, including Dr. David Larson and Heber female pediatrician Dr. Holly Richter with Nurse Practitioner Kate Matushek, take a personalized and age-specific approach to care. With over 20 years of combined experience in general pediatrics and behavioral health, they understand that health isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and developmental too. This makes our sports physicals more comprehensive and supportive of your child’s total well-being. If your child had a wellness visit in the last 9 months, we can simply complete the sports physical form—no extra appointment needed.
What to Expect During a Sport Physical
A sports physical typically includes two key parts: the medical history and the physical examination.
Medical History
We’ll ask about:
- Past illnesses or injuries
- Allergies
- Current medications
- Family medical history (especially heart-related issues)
- Mental health (anxiety, stress, or ADHD in children)
Physical Examination
Our pediatricians will check:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision
- Heart and lung function
- Joint flexibility, strength, and posture
This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about nutrition, hydration, sleep, and healthy habits that support sports performance.
When Should I Schedule a Sports Physical?
The best time to schedule a sports physical near me is at least six weeks before your child begins their sport. This gives ample time to follow up on any concerns that may arise during the visit. However, we understand that life gets busy—which is why we offer same-day and walk-in sports physicals near me to make it easier for families in Heber Valley.
Even if your child recently had a wellness exam, most schools require a separate form specifically for athletics. Be sure to check your school district’s requirements and bring any forms to the appointment.
Are Sports Physicals the Same as Annual Physicals?
Not quite. While both are important, they serve different purposes. A school physical or sports physical is focused on clearance for athletic participation. A yearly wellness exam is more in-depth and includes preventive screenings, developmental assessments, vaccinations, and more.
If your child hasn’t had their yearly wellness visit, you can easily schedule both at the same time at Heber Valley Pediatrics. And if they’ve already had a wellness visit within the past 9 months, we can simply complete the sports form. That way, you’ll have peace of mind that their health is covered from every angle.
The Convenience of Walk-In and School Physicals Near Me
Heber Valley Pediatrics offers walk-in sports physicals near me from 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. from Monday-Thursday for easy access. No appointment is necessary—just stop by and we’ll take care of the rest. This is especially helpful during back-to-school season or before spring sports kick off.
In addition to sports physicals, we also provide:
- Vaccines for kids
- Behavioral health support
- Developmental screenings
So whether your child needs a school physical, a sports clearance form, or routine pediatric care, our team is here to support your family.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Q: What if my child doesn’t pass the sports physical?
If we find something concerning, don’t worry. That’s the whole point of the exam—to ensure your child is safe. Depending on the concern, we may order further testing, refer to a specialist, or provide treatment that allows your child to participate with certain precautions.
Q: Do I need insurance to get a sports physical?
We accept all major insurances and also offer cash pay options, especially during walk-in hours. Whether you’re insured or not, we want your child to get the care they need.
Q: Can my child get a sports physical and a regular physical at the same time?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. We can cover the requirements for sports participation and complete your child’s wellness checkup in one visit. If they’ve already had a wellness visit within the past 9 months, we can simply fill out the sports physical form—no need for another appointment.
Make Spring Sports a Safe & Healthy Success
As your child looks forward to practices, games, and team bonding, make sure their health is ready to keep up with their excitement. Getting a physical for sports near me doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. At Heber Valley Pediatrics, we make it easy, convenient, and caring.
Our pediatricians are deeply committed to personalized care. Whether your child is starting T-ball or joining the high school track team, we offer the professional insight and warm support that families in Heber Valley trust. With walk-in sports physicals near me available and a team of providers who actually listen, your child’s wellness journey starts strong this spring.
Book Your Sports Physical Today
Ready to get started? Call or text us at (435) 657-0101 or visit us at 345 E Gateway Drive, #150 in Heber City, UT. You can also use our online scheduling system to book your child’s appointment in advance.
Whether you’re looking for school physicals near me, a last-minute sports physical, or just a clinic that makes care convenient and compassionate—Heber Valley Pediatrics is here for you.
Let us help your child stay healthy, happy, and ready to play their best this season. ⚽🏃♀️🎾
