Preventive Care
Sports Physicals in Princeton, NJ
Is your child’s sports season coming up and you still need their physical? Whether tryouts are next week or the school deadline is approaching, getting a sports physical done promptly and done right matters more than most parents realize.
At Jersey Family Health, we provide sports physicals for children and teens in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Salman Saad, MD and Dr. Moizah Saad, DO conduct thorough Pre-Participation Physical Examinations (PPE) that meet all New Jersey school and athletic program requirements.
We offer same-day sports physicals whenever possible and accept most major insurance plans. Our Direct Primary Care (DPC) members get priority scheduling with direct physician access — no long waits, no last-minute stress.
Why a Sports Physical Is More Than a Formality
A sports physical is not just a box to check before tryouts. It is a medical evaluation specifically focused to find conditions that could put your child at risk during athletic activity conditions that often have no visible symptoms.
Undetected heart conditions, abnormal blood pressure, musculoskeletal problems, and respiratory issues can all be identified during a proper sports physical exam. Catching these before your child takes the field is not just a requirement, it is a genuine safety measure.
Sports Physicals by Age Group
While every sports physical follows the same core protocol, the focus shifts slightly depending on your child’s age and stage of development.
Children (Ages 6–12)
- Growth and physical development assessment
- Basic cardiovascular and respiratory screening
- Vision and hearing check
- Family history review for cardiac conditions
- NJ school sports clearance documentation
Early Teens (Ages 13–15)
- Musculoskeletal assessment — growth plates and joint stability
- Cardiovascular screening with attention to pubertal changes
- Concussion history review
- Blood pressure and BMI monitoring
- NJ middle and high school sports clearance
Older Teens (Ages 16–18)
- Full PPE protocol for competitive high school athletics
- Prior injury review and rehabilitation status
- Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness assessment
- Mental health and stress screening
- NJ high school and pre-college athletic clearance documentation
What Is Included in a Sports Physical Exam
Our sports physical exams follow the standard Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE) protocol and cover every system relevant to athletic participation.
We review your child’s personal and family medical history, including any history of heart conditions, fainting, seizures, asthma, prior injuries, surgeries, or medications. Family history of sudden cardiac death or early heart disease is specifically assessed.
Heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac auscultation are assessed to screen for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Any findings are addressed before clearance is given.
We assess joint stability, range of motion, muscle strength, and prior injury sites. This helps identify structural vulnerabilities that may increase the risk of sprains, strains, or stress fractures during the season.
Lung function and breathing are evaluated to screen for exercise-induced asthma or other respiratory concerns. Vision is also checked, as adequate sight is essential for safe participation in most sports.
We review any history of concussions, head injuries, dizziness, or neurological symptoms. This is particularly important for contact sports such as football, soccer, wrestling, and hockey.
We measure height, weight, and BMI to assess overall physical development and flag any growth-related concerns relevant to athletic performance or health.
We complete all required New Jersey school and athletic program documentation at the time of the visit. Parents leave with the paperwork their child needs — ready to submit to the school or coach.
When Should You Schedule a Sports Physical?
We recommend scheduling your child’s sports physical at least two to four weeks before the season begins. This gives time to address any findings before the clearance deadline — rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Meet Your Physicians
Why Choose Jersey Family Health for Sports Physicals in NJ?
Same-Day Sports Physicals Available
We offer same-day sports physicals whenever possible. If your child’s clearance deadline is approaching, contact us and we will do our best to get them seen quickly — without cutting corners on the exam.
Two Board-Certified Sports Physical Doctors
Both Dr. Salman Saad, MD and Dr. Moizah Saad, DO are board-certified physicians with extensive experience conducting sports physicals for children and teens across New Jersey.
NJ School Documentation Completed on the Spot
All New Jersey school and athletic clearance paperwork is completed at the time of your child’s visit. No follow-up trips, no waiting for forms to be processed.
More Than a Signature — A Real Exam
We do not rubber-stamp sports physicals. Every exam is thorough, age-appropriate, and conducted by a physician who takes your child’s safety seriously.
Flexible Insurance & DPC Membership
We accept most major insurance plans. DPC members get priority scheduling and same-day access — ideal when sports season timelines are tight.
Conveniently Located in Princeton, NJ
We serve families from Princeton, Montgomery, Lawrenceville, Plainsboro, and surrounding communities in Mercer County. If you are searching for a sports physical clinic or sports physical doctor near you in NJ — we are here.
Get Your Child Cleared Before the Season Starts
Do not wait until the last week before tryouts. A sports physical is a medical exam — not an errand — and it deserves proper time and attention. At Jersey Family Health, we make it easy to get your child cleared quickly, thoroughly, and without the frustration of long waits or impersonal care. Whether you are looking for a same-day sports physical in NJ, a trusted sports physical clinic near Princeton, or a sports physical doctor who actually knows your child — we are ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a sports physical take?
Most sports physical exams take 20 to 30 minutes. Because we conduct a thorough PPE — not a rushed review — we ask that you arrive a few minutes early to complete any required paperwork before the appointment begins.
Q2: Do you offer same-day sports physicals?
Yes. We offer same-day sports physicals whenever appointment availability allows. Contact our office as early in the day as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your child’s scheduling needs.
Q3: What should my child bring to their sports physical?
Bring your child’s medical history, a list of any current medications, their insurance card, and any school-provided sports physical forms that need to be completed. If they wear glasses or contacts, note that as well.
Q4: Is a sports physical the same as an annual physical?
No. A sports physical is focused specifically on determining whether your child is safe to participate in athletic activity. An annual physical is a broader health checkup that covers overall wellness, vaccinations, and preventive screenings. Some insurers treat a sports physical as a standalone visit separate from the annual physical.
Q5: Does my child need a new sports physical every year?
Yes. New Jersey schools and athletic programs require an updated sports physical each academic year. We recommend scheduling before the start of each school year so your child is cleared in time for fall sports and any season that follows.
