A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE), ensures you or your child is healthy and ready to safely participate in athletics. The exam helps identify potential health risks—such as heart conditions, asthma, or joint injuries—before they interfere with performance. At Prima Medicine, we make the process quick and stress-free so you can get cleared and back in the game.

A typical sports physical at Prima Medicine lasts about 20–30 minutes and covers:

• Medical history review – past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family health history
• Comprehensive physical exam – vital signs, flexibility, muscle strength, joint health, vision, and posture
• Clearance and documentation – completion of school, league, or camp forms

If additional testing or paperwork is needed, our team will guide you through every step.

Sports physicals are required for:

• Student-athletes in middle school, high school, or college
• Youth league players of all ages
• Adults in recreational or intramural sports

Even if you’re simply starting a new fitness program, a sports physical helps confirm that your heart, lungs, and joints are ready for increased activity.

We recommend scheduling at least three to four weeks before the season begins. This timing allows for any follow-up tests or form updates if needed. Prima Medicine offers same-day, next-day, and weekend appointments at our Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, and Tysons locations for maximum convenience.

Choosing Prima Medicine means choosing comprehensive, personalized care. Our benefits include:

• Evaluations that identify risks for injury or health concerns early
• Guidance for managing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
• Recommendations for safe participation and injury prevention
• Completion of all required documentation during your visit

Our goal is to help every athlete — from youth to adult — participate confidently and safely.

Sports physicals are led by Dr. Chethana Rao, a Washingtonian Top Doctor, and her experienced team of board-certified primary-care providers. As part of Privia Medical Group, we combine local accessibility with nationally recognized standards of care.

Discovering a health concern during a sports physical doesn’t automatically mean disqualification. In fact, early detection often leads to better outcomes and safer participation. Here’s what to expect if our providers identify an issue during your evaluation:

Follow-up care and coordination:

• Additional testing: Depending on the findings, we may recommend lab work, imaging, EKG, or other diagnostic tests to better understand the condition.
• Specialist referrals: If needed, we’ll connect you with trusted specialists in cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, or other fields within the Privia Medical Group network for seamless, coordinated care.
• Treatment plans: Many conditions can be managed with medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or minor interventions that allow for safe sports participation.
• Temporary restrictions: In some cases, we may recommend a brief hold on certain activities while treatment is underway or healing occurs. We’ll provide clear guidance on what activities are safe during this period.
• Clearance with modifications: Some athletes receive conditional clearance, meaning they can participate with specific modifications such as protective equipment, activity limitations, or regular monitoring.
• Re-evaluation appointments: Once treatment is complete or conditions are stabilized, we’ll schedule a follow-up sports physical to provide full clearance.