Sports Physicals in Las Cruces
Need clearance for the season? Get a same-day sports physical at Covenant Clinic. NMAA-compliant forms signed on the spot. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical -- formally known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) -- is a medical check-up designed to make sure a student athlete is healthy enough to safely participate in their chosen sport. It is required by the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) for all middle school and high school athletes before they can practice or compete. The exam screens for conditions that could put an athlete at risk during physical activity, from undetected heart conditions to joint instability from a previous injury.
At Covenant Clinic in Las Cruces, we perform sports physicals every day of the week with no appointment required. Our providers are experienced with the specific forms and requirements that Las Cruces public schools, Mesilla Valley Christian Schools, and other local programs use. Whether your student is heading into fall football, winter basketball, or spring track, we can get them cleared and back on the field quickly.
A sports physical is more than just a checkbox. It is an opportunity to catch potential health concerns early -- things like heart murmurs, undiagnosed asthma, or concussion history that could affect an athlete's safety. We take the time to do a thorough exam while keeping the process efficient, because we know deadlines for team sign-ups come fast in southern New Mexico.
What We Check During Your Physical
Our sports physical covers the key areas required for athletic clearance:
- Heart and cardiovascular screening (rhythm, murmurs, blood pressure)
- Lung function and breathing assessment
- Joint flexibility, strength, and range of motion
- Vision screening
- Height, weight, and BMI measurement
- Review of medical history, medications, and past injuries
- Concussion history evaluation
- Abdominal exam (checking for organ enlargement)
When to Get a Sports Physical
Timing matters when it comes to sports physicals. We recommend coming in at least 2 to 4 weeks before the season starts so there is time to address any issues that come up during the exam. Here are the situations where you should schedule a visit:
- Before each school sports season if your previous physical has expired (physicals are valid for 1 year)
- After a significant injury such as a broken bone, torn ligament, or concussion -- a new clearance may be required before returning to play
- If your child has a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, or a heart condition that needs to be documented and managed for athletic participation
- When switching schools or sports programs as different organizations may have different form requirements
- For recreational leagues and camps that require a current physical on file
Do not wait until the night before tryouts. Come in any day of the week and get it done. Our providers sign the NMAA clearance form the same day.
Chest pain during exercise, fainting or passing out during physical activity, sudden severe shortness of breath, irregular or racing heartbeat, or a head injury with loss of consciousness. These symptoms require emergency evaluation and should not wait for a routine sports physical.
What to Expect
A sports physical at Covenant Clinic is quick and easy. Most visits take about 20 minutes from check-in to clearance form.
Walk in or save your spot online. Bring your completed health history form (or fill one out at the front desk). A parent or guardian must sign the form for minors.
A provider will check your heart, lungs, joints, vision, blood pressure, and overall physical condition. We will review your medical history and ask about any past injuries, surgeries, or ongoing conditions.
If everything checks out, your provider signs the clearance form on the spot. You walk out with your completed paperwork, ready to turn it in to your coach or school athletic department that same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sports physical at Covenant Clinic includes a review of your complete medical history, measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI, and a hands-on physical exam. We check your heart for murmurs or irregular rhythms, listen to your lungs, test your joint flexibility and strength, screen your vision, and examine your abdomen. We also discuss any previous injuries, concussions, or chronic conditions that could affect athletic safety.
Under NMAA rules, a sports physical is valid for one calendar year from the date of the exam. If your physical expires mid-year between sports seasons, you will need a new one before the next season begins. We recommend getting your physical done early in the summer so it covers fall, winter, and spring sports for the entire school year.
Bring your completed health history form (your school can provide one, or we have copies at the front desk), your insurance card, a list of any medications or supplements you take, and your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If your school requires a specific form to be filled out by the provider, bring that along. A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors and sign the consent form.
Yes, we offer same-day sports physicals every day of the week on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed. A typical visit takes about 20 minutes, and you leave with your signed clearance form in hand. You can also save your spot online at book.covenant.clinic to reduce your wait time. We are open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Get Cleared for the Season Today.
Walk in or save your spot online. Same-day clearance, 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM.