Book Appointment

Sports Physicals and Health Exams
in Chillicothe, MO

Move well. Think well. Be Well.

Ensure Your Athlete Is Ready to Play – At The Well-House Chiropractic, we provide convenient sports physicals for students and thorough wellness exams for all ages. Whether your teenager needs a school-required check-up or you’re an adult looking to stay on top of your health, our team offers friendly, professional exams to keep your family active and healthy.

Book an Appointment
mint modern cutout 01
sports-physicals_11

Easy, Affordable Sports Physicals for Students

A sports physical (officially called a pre-participation physical exam) is a check-up to make sure young athletes are healthy and safe to join in sports. In Missouri, these exams are typically required for school sports participation and are valid for two years under state guidelines. We know busy parents don’t want any last-minute surprises, so we’ve made getting a sports physical simple and stress-free:

  • Quick, Same-Week Appointments: Don’t wait weeks for a doctor’s office – we often have same-week appointments (and sometimes same-day openings) so your child can get their form completed in time for practice. 
  • Experienced, Holistic Examiner: Your child’s exam will be conducted by Dr. Matthew Arthaud, D.C., R.N. His unique background as both a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Registered Nurse means he has a well-rounded medical perspective. He’ll not only check the basics but also pay attention to muscles, joints, and posture – areas where a sports chiropractor’s expertise shines. 
  • Family-Friendly Care: We take pride in making kids and teens comfortable. As a parent himself, Dr. Arthaud understands how to talk to young athletes in a calming, encouraging way. Our clinic environment is warm and welcoming, helping ease any nerves your child may have. 
  • Affordable Pricing: We keep our sports physicals affordable (with a straightforward cash rate). There are no surprise fees – just an easy exam and completion of your required form. (If you’d like to verify pricing or insurance questions, just give us a call. We’ll also provide a receipt if you plan to submit it to your insurance.)

 

By choosing The Well-House Chiropractic for a school physical, you’re getting more than a signed form. You’re getting peace of mind that a knowledgeable provider has given your child a proper evaluation.

Book an Appointment

What’s Included in a Physical Exam?

During a sports physical or wellness exam, we perform a top-to-bottom health review to ensure everything looks good. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for an exam:

Medical History Review

We’ll start by looking at the student’s health history form. This includes any past injuries, surgeries, illnesses, or family medical history that might be relevant. (If your child has any ongoing conditions like asthma or allergies, be sure to let us know.)

Vital Signs

We check the basics – blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature – to make sure they’re within healthy ranges. We’ll also record height and weight, since growth spurts are common in teens.

Heart and Lung Exam

Using a stethoscope, Dr. Arthaud will listen to the heart (checking for murmurs or irregular rhythms) and lungs (ensuring clear breathing with no wheezing). This helps detect issues like uncontrolled asthma or heart conditions that could affect sports.

Vision & Ears

If needed, we’ll do a quick vision screening to ensure your athlete can see adequately (important for ball sports and overall safety). We may also peek at the ears, nose, and throat – for example, to check for chronic issues that might need attention.

Orthopedic Screening

Here’s where our chiropractic expertise is a bonus. We’ll evaluate the muscles, joints, and spine. Your child may be asked to perform simple movements like bending, balancing on one foot, or doing a few squats. We check flexibility, strength, posture, and joint health from head to toe. This can uncover any muscle imbalances or joint problems (like a past ankle sprain that hasn’t fully healed) that a typical quick clinic might overlook.

Abdominal and Hernia Check

For male students, a brief hernia exam is usually part of the sports physical. We ensure there are no abdominal or groin issues that could be aggravated by sports activity.

Overall Wellness Check

We’ll assess general neurological function (a quick reflex check), and ask some wellness questions – for instance, about diet, sleep habits, and mental well-being. Sports can be demanding, so we want to be sure the athlete is holistically prepared.

At the end of the exam, we fill out and sign the required sports physical form for your school or organization. If everything looks good, your athlete will be cleared to play. If we do find something that needs follow-up (for example, high blood pressure or a possible injury), we’ll explain exactly what steps to take next. Our goal is to make sure your child is healthy and set up for success on the field or court.

Book an Appointment

Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Sports Physical?

We know you have options when it comes to getting a sports physical – so what makes The Well-House Chiropractic different?

  • Whole-Person Approach: Because of Dr. Arthaud’s dual training in chiropractic and nursing, he approaches physicals with a holistic mindset. That means he’s not just quickly stamping a form; he’s truly checking in on your child’s health. If your teen mentions recurring knee pain or frequent headaches during the exam, we don’t ignore it – we offer guidance or solutions. This is a level of personal care you might not find at a busy urgent care.

  • Musculoskeletal Expertise: As chiropractors, we specialize in the muscles, bones, and joints. Sports physicals are about ensuring safe physical activity, so our expertise is especially valuable. We can identify posture issues or flexibility limitations that, if addressed early, might improve your child’s athletic performance or prevent future injuries. Consider it an added bonus: you get a physical and a mini musculoskeletal check-up in one visit.

  • Convenience for Families: Our clinic respects your time. We run on schedule, so you’re not sitting in a waiting room for an hour. Appointment times are available before or after school hours on select days, making it easier to fit into your family’s busy day. Plus, our central Chillicothe location at 519 Locust Street means we’re easy to get to – whether you’re coming from right here in town or driving in from a nearby community.

  • Caring, Local Reputation: We pride ourselves on being a part of the Chillicothe community. Many local families trust us for care beyond just physicals – from injury rehab to nutrition advice. This means when you come for an exam, you’re seeing a provider who could become a long-term partner in your family’s health. Our friendly team and small-town hospitality help kids (and parents!) feel at ease. 

We treat your child like one of our own. Our thorough yet gentle exam style and willingness to answer all your questions will leave you confident that your young athlete is in great hands.

Book an Appointment

Adult & Annual Wellness Exams

While student sports physicals are a big part of what we do, we also offer wellness exams for adults who want a general health check – especially those who lead active lifestyles or need an exam for a sports league or program. If you’re an adult involved in community sports (like a local softball league or a marathon training group) that requires a physical, we can help.

Our adult wellness exams cover many of the same basics as a sports physical:

  • We’ll review your health history and any current concerns.

  • Check vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) and perform a head-to-toe physical assessment.

  • Focus on any musculoskeletal issues or injuries that might affect your exercise or daily life (for example, that old back injury acting up or knee pain while running).

One benefit of doing a wellness exam here is that you’ll get holistic advice. Are you trying to start a new fitness routine or address a nagging health concern? Dr. Arthaud can offer guidance, exercises, or nutrition tips during the exam, drawing from our functional nutrition expertise. Think of it as a proactive way to stay ahead of potential health issues.

Please note: If during an exam we find something outside our scope (like a heart irregularity or need for lab tests), we’ll advise you to follow up with your primary care physician. We don’t handle complex diagnostic testing or DOT physicals, but we’re an excellent first stop for general wellness check-ups and athletic clearance.

Book an Appointment

Success Stories from Our Patients

Exam Forms and What to Bring

To make your visit go smoothly, here are a few things to bring and prepare for your physical exam appointment:

  • Required Forms: If the exam is for school, sports, or camp, remember to bring the official form provided by that organization (for example, the Missouri State High School Activity Association’s physical form for school sports). We’ll fill out and sign all the necessary sections after the exam.

     

  • Parent/Guardian & Consent: If the patient is under 18, a parent or guardian should accompany them. There will be a portion of the form and medical history for a guardian to complete and sign. Plus, parents often provide helpful details about their child’s health history.

     

  • Eyewear: If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, have them bring those along. We may do a quick vision check to ensure their prescription seems effective.

     

  • Medication and Health Info: It’s useful to bring a list of any medications or supplements your child takes, including dosages. Also note any allergies. If your child has seen a specialist or had a recent hospital visit, mention those details. This gives us the full picture.

     

  • Comfortable Clothing: Encourage your kiddo to wear comfortable, loose clothing on exam day. They might need to stretch, bend, or lie down for parts of the exam. Sports attire like shorts and a t-shirt works great. (We do have gowns available if needed, but usually it’s not necessary for a simple sports physical.)

     

If you have specific concerns you want to discuss – for instance, a question about a past injury or how to handle a certain medical condition during sports – feel free to write down your questions and bring them. We’ll be happy to address anything during the appointment.

Book an Appointment

Walk-Ins and Scheduling Information

Ready to schedule? Getting an appointment for a physical is easy with us. You can call or text our office at (740) 823-9355 to find the next available slot. We also offer the convenience of online booking – just visit our scheduling page to book your preferred time (look for the “Sports Physical” appointment option).

  • Walk-Ins: We welcome walk-in patients if our schedule allows, especially for urgent needs. If you’re in a pinch (say, the school form was forgotten until the day before practice!), give us a call to see if we can fit you in. We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, but calling ahead is recommended to ensure we have an opening.

     

  • Same-Day Appointments: Same-day slots may be available on occasion due to cancellations. It never hurts to ask! Typically, though, we can guarantee appointments within a few days. During peak sports seasons (like late summer before school starts), consider scheduling a couple of weeks in advance if possible.

     

  • Clinic Hours & Location: The Well-House Chiropractic is located at 519 Locust Street, Chillicothe, MO, easily accessible from anywhere in Chillicothe and the surrounding area. Located downtown in the Kelly Poling Arts District, near the courthouse square. We’re on the back side of the Southern Bank building, adjacent to their drive-through. Our flexible hours include some evenings, so student-athletes won’t always have to miss class or practice for their exam. When you call or book online, you’ll see our current hours and can choose what works best.

     

  • Serving Chillicothe and Beyond: Our clinic proudly serves families from all over north-central Missouri. Many of our patients come from Trenton, Brookfield, Cameron, and other nearby towns. If you live within driving distance of Chillicothe, know that you’ll be welcomed with open arms at our practice. We’re honored to be a regional hub for holistic family health, including physical exams.

     

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Sports physicals help keep your child safe – and without one, they can’t participate. Avoid the pre-season rush by scheduling your exam as early as you can. If your child’s sports season is coming up, go ahead and book now so you can check this task off your to-do list.

Your child’s health and success are our top priorities. Let us help your athletes stay healthy, strong, and cleared to play – we look forward to seeing you at The Well-House Chiropractic for an exam soon!

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions
About Sports Physicals and Health Exams at The Well-House

A typical sports physical appointment at our clinic takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The exam portion itself is fairly quick, but we make sure to take time to discuss any findings and answer your questions. If you’ve filled out the history form ahead of time and brought everything needed, the process is smooth and you’ll be in and out in no time.

In Missouri, a school sports physical is valid for two years (730 days) from the exam date. However, it’s a good idea not to wait if there have been any changes in your child’s health. Many families choose to do a quick exam yearly for peace of mind – especially if their child starts a new sport or has had an injury in the past year. Always check your school’s specific requirements. We’re happy to do an annual exam if you’d like to ensure everything is up-to-date.

Yes – chiropractors in Missouri are licensed to perform sports physicals and sign off on the required forms. Dr. Arthaud is not only a chiropractor but also a registered nurse, so you can trust that he’s thoroughly trained in health evaluations. The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) recognizes exams done by chiropractors as valid. Rest assured, you’ll get the same official clearance here as you would at a family doctor or urgent care, with the added benefit of our musculoskeletal expertise.

We recommend making an appointment so you can avoid waiting, but we do understand that sometimes things are last-minute. Walk-ins are welcome when our schedule permits. If you’re thinking of coming by without an appointment, it’s best to call ahead and see if we have a spot open. During busy sports seasons, we fill up fast, so a scheduled appointment guarantees your slot.

Most of the time, we’re able to clear students to play on the spot. If we do find an issue (like high blood pressure, uncontrolled asthma symptoms, or a potential injury), it doesn’t automatically mean they’re barred from sports. It just means we need to address it. We might provide care right here (for example, suggesting stretches or a chiropractic follow-up for a minor joint issue) or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. The goal is to ensure your child can participate safely. Once the issue is managed or treated, we’ll re-evaluate and hopefully clear them. We’ll guide you every step of the way if any follow-up is needed.

Preparation is simple. Make sure they’re well-rested and hydrated before the exam. They can eat normally – there’s no fasting required. Having them wear comfortable clothing (like athletic shorts and a t-shirt) is helpful since they may be stretching or doing a few movements. Also, remind them that this is a no-pressure visit – it’s okay to speak up about any pains or questions they have. We’re here to help, not to judge. If they’re a bit nervous, you can reassure them that this isn’t like a shot or a test – it’s mostly talking and simple checks, and we’ll make it as easy as possible.

We strive to keep our sports physicals budget-friendly for families. Our pricing is competitive with other local options. For the exact fee, you can check our online booking page or call our office. (Often, sports physicals are offered at a flat rate, which we’ll be happy to explain.) We accept cash or credit, and we’ll provide documentation if you want to file an insurance claim yourself. Because these exams are preventative, insurance coverage can vary – many families find it just as easy to pay the flat fee. Rest assured, there are no hidden costs.

Yes, we do. Our wellness exams for adults are available if you’d like a general health check-up or need a physical for a specific purpose (like starting an exercise program or attending a wellness retreat). While most of our physicals are for student athletes, we welcome adult patients for check-ups. Keep in mind that we don’t perform specialized physicals like DOT (Department of Transportation) exams for commercial drivers, but for a routine personal wellness exam, we’ve got you covered. It’s a great way to get an unbiased snapshot of your health and some holistic lifestyle tips.

The Well-House Chiropractic is more than just a place for exams. We offer comprehensive chiropractic care for injuries like sprains, strained muscles, back or neck pain from sports, and more. We also provide functional nutrition counseling to help with things like proper diet for athletic performance or overall wellness. If your child has an injury, we can create a rehab plan that might include gentle adjustments, exercises, or even therapies like cupping for muscle relief. Our goal is to keep your whole family well. Many parents love that they can return here for follow-up care – for example, if their teen twists an ankle during the season, they can come back and get it checked and treated by Dr. Arthaud. It’s all under one roof, and we coordinate with your primary care doctor or coaches as needed.