Pre-Participation & Sports Physicals
The Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (PPE), more commonly known as sports physical, is a necessary component to screen and prevent illness and injury for athletes and non-athletes alike.
In an effort to ensure a safe athletic environment for each individual and to highlight the importance of injury and disease prevention, a PPE is often required prior to participation at various levels of competition. From youth sports to varsity high school sports, college, and pre-professional to professional athletes, there are various organizations that have incorporated a required PPE to ensure safety. Your sports medicine physician is knowledgeable about the various organizations and works in accordance to screen and evaluate athletes of all levels.
VSMD Approach
At VSMD, we conduct sports physicals for all ages to determine whether it’s safe to participate in sports and physical activity. We fulfill requirements from local school systems by conducting sports physicals based on a standardized approach.
Even if a sports physical is not required, it is highly recommended for all athletes and people beginning an activity regiment. During the sports physical, the doctor will address conditions that may hinder athletic participation to include joint instability, medical conditions, and cardiovascular restrictions. For young adults, we pay close attention to growth plates and other growth indicators to ensure athletic participation does not negatively impact the body’s natural process.
A sports physical is recommended once a year especially for youth, young adults, female athletes, and people with pre-existing conditions. It is critical to identify any health condition prior to subjecting the body to rigorous activity.
We welcome students from school districts across Northern Virginia including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Arlington County.
Sports Physicals: Need to Know
Benefits of Sports Physicals
Yearly medical and physical evaluation
Opportunity to discuss concerns with physician
Opportunity to discuss injury or concern for injury during activity
Identification of potential risks to participation like pre-exisiting conditions and heart irregularities
Additional attention to nutrition, heart, and mental health
Evaluation of unique concerns for female athletes to include menstrual health, bone & joint health, and nutritional habits
Special attention for persons with prior or current concussion
PPE Applies to all ages
Youth athletes
High school athletes
Intramural athletes
League athletes
Special Olympic athletes
Recreational athletes
Weekend warriors
Collegiate athletes
Pre-professional athletes
Professional athletes
Master’s athletes
Components of PPE
Medical and Family Histories
Injury History
Cardiovascular-specific history
Vital Signs
Vision check
General Exam
Comprehensive Physical Exam
Clearance and/or Restrictions
Pre-participation and Sports Physical Evaluations are Part of Eligibility Requirements
High School Level Sports
The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) has guidelines for timing of PPEs and regulates that any athlete participating in high school sport is required to have a PPE. Each state has its own NFHS guidelines to determine frequency of the sports physical. In Virginia, athletes are required to have a yearly evaluation for participation.
Intercollegiate Level Sports
In accordance with NCAA guidelines, PPEs are required for collegiate level athletes. In some cases, an entrance level sports physical is required and subsequent years sports physicals on an as needed basis. There are many factors that go into this decision-making and is best determined by your physician (team physician) and athletic trainers.
Pre-Professional and Professional Level Sports
At this level, there are various governing organizations across different sports that require a pre-participation physical evaluation. This may be required on an individual basis or to have completed with your team physician.
Recreational and Intramural Level Sports
While there may not be a requirement to have a pre-participation physical evaluation, many athletes choose to have one. It is recommended to have a yearly medical evaluation and if participating in sports, a yearly sports physical.
Active Lifestyles
Anyone who is beginning an exercise regimen or plans to start one, should consult with a physician first to determine if there are any restrictions, issues of concern, or special care that should be received prior to exercise. VSMD not only can perform a PPE and determine your risk level, but can also help you to develop a safe and healthy exercise program to meet your individual goals.