@THParent , Sorry, but that may be the worst advice I have ever read. The only part of your comment with which I agree is to get a second opinion if needed. Please tell me that you are not a medical professional.
I have read tens of thousads of MSK MRs for over 30 different orthopedist. I have never in my 20 plus year career seen one unnecessary orthopedic surgery performed. If a young adults has a significant muscular, ligamentous, or bony injury, then an orthopedist would absolutely be the best physician to consult. A physical therapist works at the direction of a physician and would be great to see once an injury is properly evaluated and a diagnosis requiring physical therapy is made.
Nope. Not a medical professional! If you're an Orthopod, I am sorry for taking a dump in your Cheerios.
The OP said
"sprained" and
"loose", not
"torn". That's a fairly important distinction if you actually read the post.
A sprained ACL or MCL can get better on it's own, without surgery.
PTs are not required to work at the direction of a Physician in most states. This used to be the case years ago, but no more.
You can walk right into an outpatient PT clinic and get evaluated and treated.
I get it though. Maplerock's advice was by far the best.
To THParent: I am not an orthopedist. So you didn’t “take a dump in my Cheerios”. (But nice language though). I am a radiologist and specialize in MR sports injuries. I interpret MRs from 5 different Otho groups. And the OP said that whoever evaluated him said his ACL felt comparatively “loose”.
‘The OP said
"sprained" and
"loose", not
"torn".”
This is why you get the MR. If the clinician knows for certain that there is only a sprain on physical examination then no need for an MR. Since an MR was done then the clinician was not sure of a diagnosis of a sprain. In fact, the “loose” comment is the most concerning. If the ACL is “loose” on physical exam (positive anterior Drawer sign, Lachman test and/or Pivot Shift test) then the possibility of an ACL complete rupture remains in play. I have personally seen numerous athletes walk and even play on complete ruptured ACLs for months, so assumptions in medicine can lead to a significant delay in treatment. The answer is ALWAYS on the MR which is why the OP needs the MR report pronto in order to determine if a more urgent course is required. There are differing therapeutic regimens which certainly may be non surgical depending on severity of sprain or partial tear. The key here is that the OP does not have a definitive diagnosis. PLEASE don’t give unqualified medical advice especially if you have no legitimate credentials to give that advice.
To the OP: Get your MR report and disc (the information is yours to get). If the MR report says you have a torn ligament/meniscus or significant articular cartilage injury, then call an orthopedist’s office and tell them that you have a significant joint injury that requires you to see an Ortho ASAP. If that’s the case, a good Orthopedist will see you this week. If they put you off, then call a different one. You can PM me if you have any more specific questions. Please do not listen to anyone who is NOT a medical professional giving “expert” advice.