Sports Physicals Exam Near Me: What to Expect and Where to Go

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Oluwakemi Balogun (Kemi), MD — Medhaven Health

Last updated: September 2025

If you or your child needs a sports physical exam in Glen Burnie, you may be wondering where to go, how much it costs, and what the process looks like. Whether it’s for school sports, college athletics, or recreational activities, a physical exam is an important step to ensure safety before participating in sports. This guide explains everything you need to know about sports physicals, where to get one near you, and what to expect during the visit.

What Is a Sports Physical Exam?

A sports physical exam, sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam (PPE), is a medical check-up designed to evaluate whether it’s safe for an individual to participate in physical activity. Unlike a full annual check-up, a sports physical focuses more on the body’s ability to handle physical stress, detect risk factors, and review past injuries.

Why Sports Physicals Are Important

Sports physicals help identify medical or physical conditions that could affect participation in athletic activities. Doctors may check for:

• History of asthma, allergies, or breathing problems

• Prior concussions or head injuries

• Previous sprains, fractures, or joint issues

• Heart murmurs or cardiovascular risk factors

• Vision or hearing problems

• Current medications and supplements

This exam ensures athletes can play safely and reduces the risk of injury or sudden medical complications during sports.

Where to Get a Sports Physical Exam in Glen Burnie

If you’re searching for where to get a physical exam in Glen Burnie, you have several options:

• Primary Care Doctor’s Office – The best choice if you have an established relationship with a primary care physician who knows your medical history.

• Urgent Care Centers – Many clinics offer urgent care sports physicals without an appointment, perfect for last-minute needs.

• Walk-In Clinics – Search for walk in sports physicals if you need same-day service.

• School Clinics – Some schools or local programs arrange school physicals at affordable rates.

• Retail Clinics (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) – Convenient options for families seeking quick and cheap sports physicals.

If you’re in a rush, typing where can I get a sports physical ASAP or free sports physicals in your area in Google Maps often pulls up local urgent care or community health events.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

If you’re searching for physical exam for sports in your area, here’s what usually happens during the visit:

1. Medical History Review – Your provider asks about past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, allergies, and family history.

2. Vital Signs – Height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure are checked.

3. Vision & Hearing Tests – To ensure you can safely participate.

4. Musculoskeletal Exam – Checking flexibility, strength, posture, and joint health.

5. Cardiovascular & Lung Health – Listening to heart and lungs for abnormalities.

6. General Physical Exam – Including abdomen, skin, and neurological checks.

7. Vaccination Review – Some clinics also review immunizations.

The entire sports physical exam usually takes 20–30 minutes, making it convenient even for busy schedules.

How Much Is a Sports Physical?

The cost can vary depending on location and provider:

• Primary Care Office: $50–$100 (sometimes billed to insurance)

• Urgent Care Physical Exam: $40–$75

• Retail Clinics: $40–$60

• Community or School Events: Sometimes free sports physicals are offered before sports seasons begin.

Always ask about pricing upfront, especially if you’re looking for cheap sports physicals.

Sports Physicals vs Annual Physical Exams

It’s important to note that a sports physical is not the same as an annual physical exam.

• Sports Physical: Focuses on sports readiness, injuries, and specific health risks related to athletic performance.

• Annual Physical: More comprehensive, covering overall health, lab tests, preventive screenings, and long-term wellness.

Doctors recommend doing both, since a physical exam for school may not cover all areas of preventive care.

Walk-In and Urgent Care Options

If you don’t have a regular doctor, many families rely on:

• Walk in physical exams – Great for last-minute needs before sports tryouts.

• Urgent Care Physicals – If you wonder, does urgent care do physicals? The answer is yes—most urgent care clinics offer them on demand.

• College Physicals – Students can search for college physicals in Glen Burnie clinics that meet NCAA or school requirements.

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are especially useful if you need an appointment outside of regular office hours.

How Long Do Sports Physicals Last?

Most schools and sports organizations require physicals to be valid for one year. Some states may require them to be within 6 months of the sports season. If you’re asking, how long does a sports physical last, check with your school or athletic program for specific requirements.

Can Sports Physicals Include Drug Tests?

Some parents ask, do sports physicals drug test? In most cases, a standard sports physical exam does not include a physical drug test unless specifically required by a school, employer, or athletic program.

Preparing for Your Sports Physical

Here are quick tips before your appointment:

• Bring school or league forms that need signing.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for mobility checks.

• Bring a list of medications or supplements.

• Have your vaccination records ready.

Final Thoughts

Searching for a sports physical exam in Glen Burnie doesn’t have to be stressful. With many options—primary care offices, urgent care, walk-in clinics, retail pharmacies, and even free school events—you can find affordable and convenient sports physicals to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a physical exam for school, a college physical, or urgent care sports physicals, the process is quick, affordable, and essential for safe athletic participation.