Getting ready for the sports season? Whether your child is gearing up for school athletics or you're participating in an adult league, a sports physical is essential to ensure you're healthy and ready to play. At Prima Medicine, we make this process easy and efficient, offering comprehensive sports physicals at our convenient locations in Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, and Tysons, Virginia.
As a leading primary care provider in Northern Virginia, Prima Medicine is dedicated to helping you or your child meet participation requirements safely and without delay. Our team understands that your time is valuable — that's why our services include same-day or next-day appointments and even weekend hours when needed.
What Is a Sports Physical?
Also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE), a sports physical is designed to assess whether an individual is physically fit to participate in athletic activities. It can help detect health concerns before they become serious or interfere with performance.
At Prima Medicine, your sports physical will typically include:
- A medical history review: We ask about past illnesses, injuries, and surgeries, as well as family medical history.
- A physical exam: This includes checking vital signs, joints, flexibility, muscle strength, vision, and more.
- Clearance and documentation: We'll complete and sign any required forms for school or league participation.
A typical sports physical takes about 20–30 minutes. However, if additional screening or paperwork is needed, it may take slightly longer. Our team strives to make your visit efficient without sacrificing thoroughness.
Benefits of Scheduling a Sports Physical
A sports physical does more than fulfill a requirement. It also ensures your safety. These evaluations:
- Identify conditions that may increase the risk of injury (joint instability, heart abnormalities, etc.).
- Help manage chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
- Provide recommendations for safe participation (wearing protective gear, modifying activity, etc.).
- Offer peace of mind to parents, coaches, and athletes.
Who Needs One?
Sports physicals are typically required for:
- Student-athletes in middle school, high school, and college
- Youth league participants
- Adults in recreational sports programs
Anyone starting a new fitness routine can also benefit from a sports physical, especially if it's been a while since you last had an exam. We recommend scheduling yours (or your child's) at least a few weeks before the season begins to allow time for follow-ups if needed.
Why Choose Prima Medicine for a Sports Physical in Northern Virginia?
Prima Medicine stands out as a trusted name in family medicine across Northern Virginia. Our practice is led by Dr. Chethana Rao, a Washingtonian Top Doctor, and backed by a compassionate, well-trained team that puts your health first.
For busy families needing timely sports physicals and school physicals across Northern Virginia, Prima Medicine's team of dedicated providers stands ready to offer efficient and thorough pre-participation screenings and comprehensive health checks. This compassionate and skilled group includes physicians Dr. Haritha Yalamanchilli, Dr. Josephine Torno, Dr. Chethana Rao, Dr. Janice E. McMillan, Dr. Mandana Shafai, Dr. Phanindar Sadhu, and Dr. Joseph Connor, along with expert advanced practice clinicians Alexa Kulick, PA-C, Katya Ramos Marrero, DNP, Jill De Castro, FNP, Megan Chirichella, FNP, Jamie Kennedy, PA, and Nicole Iori, RD, ensuring students and athletes can quickly complete all necessary medical clearances at one of our four convenient locations.
Our full-service practice is known for providing convenient access, with four locations across the region, flexible scheduling, and thorough, never-rushed treatment. We're also proud to be part of Privia Medical Group, a national, physician-led network known for delivering high-quality, coordinated care.
Sports Physical FAQs
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.
- 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.
Prima Medicine stands out for its convenient access, compassionate providers, and commitment to thorough, unrushed care. With four locations across Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, and Tysons, flexible scheduling, and participation in the Privia Medical Group network, we make it easy for families and athletes to stay compliant, healthy, and game-ready.
You can book online anytime at PrimaMedicine.com or call (703) 870-3750. Choose the location closest to you — Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, or Tysons, VA — for a convenient appointment. Our friendly staff will ensure your forms are completed, your health is cleared, and you’re ready for the upcoming season.
Schedule a Sports Physical Today
Are you ready to cross the sports physical requirement off your list? Schedule an appointment with Prima Medicine in Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, or Tysons, VA. Contact us today at (703) 870-3750 or book your appointment online. We're here to ensure you're cleared and confident for the season ahead!
