Understand the injury.
A focused exam, a conversation about your sport, and imaging when needed. Bring prior scans and reports if you have them.
DIAGNOSIS & GOALSWASHINGTON, DC AREA · BETHESDA, MARYLAND
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD
Knee & shoulder
sports surgery.
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sports medicine subspecialty certification. Specialized knee and shoulder care for student athletes, competitors, and active adults across the Washington, DC area.
ACL reconstruction · Meniscus repair · Rotator cuff repair · Shoulder stabilization
OrthoBethesda New patients welcome
FOR THE WAY
YOU WANT TO MOVE.
YOU WANT TO MOVE.
Specialized focus.
Knee & shoulder.
Knee & shoulder.
Care that understands your sport.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Sports medicine subspecialty certification
Former GW Director of Sports Medicine
01 / START WITH YOUR INJURY
Where is pain
holding you back?
You don’t need to know the diagnosis.
Start with what’s getting in the way.
Plant. Pivot.
Move with confidence.
From a sudden twist on the field to pain that keeps returning on your runs.
Reach. Lift.
Play your game.
Care for overhead athletes, lifters, and anyone whose shoulder is limiting their activity.
02 / YOUR NEXT MOVE
Not sure
where to start?
A few simple questions can help you choose the right next step for your knee or shoulder.
About 60 seconds No name or contact details needed Answers stay in this page only
This guide helps route care. It cannot diagnose an injury, rule out a serious condition, or clear you for sport. If you’re unsure how serious your symptoms are, seek medical care.
STEP 1 OF 4
03 / A PLAN WITH A PURPOSE
The goal is your return.
The path is personal.
Good care starts with understanding your injury
and the activity you want to get back to.
Choose the right treatment.
Discuss rehabilitation, activity changes, and surgical options when appropriate. The decision depends on your injury and priorities.
OPTIONS & SHARED DECISIONSBuild toward your return.
Coordinate recovery with your physical therapist or athletic trainer. Progress is based on healing, strength, function, and readiness.
RECOVERY & RETURN TO SPORTA sports medicine evaluation does not automatically mean surgery. There is no single recovery timeline for every athlete.
Rajeev Pandarinath, MDOrthopedic Sports Medicine
04 / MEET YOUR SPECIALIST
Serious about your injury.
Focused on your goals.
Washingtonian Top Doctor
Dr. Pandarinath specializes in knee and shoulder arthroscopy, with experience caring for athletes at collegiate, professional, and recreational levels.
A former Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Sports Medicine at George Washington University, he brings a sports-focused perspective to your care in Bethesda.
- BOARD CERTIFICATION
- Orthopedic Surgery
Sports Medicine subspecialty - TRAINING
- UCLA residency
Rothman Institute sports medicine fellowship - FORMER HEAD TEAM PHYSICIAN
- George Washington University athletic teams
- DC Furies Rugby
- University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
- FORMER TEAM PHYSICIAN
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Philadelphia Phillies
- St. Joseph’s University
05 / INJURY & RECOVERY GUIDES
Better questions.
More informed decisions.
Explore Dr. Pandarinath’s existing articles
on injury care, treatment, and getting back to sport.
Showing all 4 guides.
KNEERETURN TO SPORT
Returning to Sports After ACL Reconstruction
How healing, strength, movement quality, and functional testing inform a return to sport.
Read the guide: Returning to Sports After ACL ReconstructionSHOULDERTRAINING & PREVENTION
Preventing Shoulder Injuries While Weightlifting: Tips and Exercises That Protect Your Joints
Explore lifting habits, training balance, and shoulder exercises, with guidance on when pain needs evaluation.
Read the guide: Preventing Shoulder Injuries While Weightlifting: Tips and Exercises That Protect Your JointsKNEETREATMENT DECISIONS
ACL Graft Choices – How to Decide What Graft is Right for You
Questions to discuss when choosing a graft for your age, sport, and priorities.
Read the guide: ACL Graft Choices – How to Decide What Graft is Right for YouKNEERECOVERY & REHABILITATION
ACL Recovery Timeline – What to Expect After Surgery
Understand the phases of recovery and why progress differs from athlete to athlete.
Read the guide: ACL Recovery Timeline – What to Expect After Surgery06 / MAKE YOUR FIRST VISIT SIMPLE
New here?
You’re in the right place.
A new injury, a concern that hasn’t improved, or a second opinion. Start with an evaluation focused on your knee or shoulder.
OrthoBethesda · Camalier Building
10215 Fernwood Road, Suite 506
Bethesda, MD 20817
Do I need a diagnosis or an MRI first?
No diagnosis is needed to start. An evaluation helps determine which tests, if any, are appropriate. If you already have imaging, bring the images and reports.
Can a parent book for a student athlete?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian should help arrange care for patients under 18 and confirm consent requirements with the office. Tell the team the athlete’s age and sport.
What if I’m seeking a second opinion?
Bring previous notes, imaging, and any operative reports. Let the scheduling team know you want a knee or shoulder second opinion with Dr. Pandarinath.
Will I need surgery?
That depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, stability, and your goals. Your visit includes a discussion of appropriate nonsurgical and surgical options.
How do insurance and referrals work?
Confirm your plan’s coverage, network status, and referral requirements with the office and your insurer before the visit. Requirements vary by plan.
What should I bring?
Photo ID, insurance card, medication list, any required referral, and prior imaging and reports. Wear clothing that allows your knee or shoulder to be examined.
I already had surgery. Who should I contact?
Call your surgical team for postoperative concerns and follow your discharge instructions. If your surgeon is Dr. Pandarinath, call 301-530-1010. For serious symptoms, seek urgent or emergency care.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A PLAN.