Have you ever been injured on the field? Overextended tendons, torn ligaments, sprains and even breaks are all strong possibilities during an intense game and unfortunately for many, a very real fate.

Take Trey Mostyn, for example.

“I grew up playing sports,”​ Mostyn said. “I played everything: football, soccer, basketball, baseball and, most seriously, lacrosse. So, when it looked like my 20-year athletic career would end due to an injured knee, it was a huge blow.”

Trey was going into his senior year as a Division III lacrosse player for Goucher College when he tore part of his patellar tendon and meniscus in his knee.

“I didn’t know what to do,”​ Mostyn said. “I was afraid I might never be able to play lacrosse to my full ability again. I was worried about letting my team down and thought I’d be benched for the season.”

This was his last year as a student athlete, and though Mostyn was in a lot of pain, he held on to the hope that he would heal fast enough to play a final season with his team. He did what his school advised and scheduled knee surgery with his team doctor.

“I went through several months of rehab after my surgery and was finally cleared by the trainers to play,”​ Mostyn said. “As soon as I got the go-ahead, I was ready to dive back in like nothing had happened. It felt great to be able to play again … all up until my first practice.”

Mostyn had intense pain and swelling in his knee, both on the field and after he played. His school athletic trainers tried to help by suggesting he ice and stretch his knee. These recommendations, however, only provided temporary relief.

“Ever since then, I’ve wondered if I should have seen another doctor before I went under the knife,”​ Mostyn said. “It’s been four years, and I still have knee pain.”

Sadly, Mostyn’s story is relatable. Thirty percent of Americans want a second opinion when given a diagnosis, but many people don’t know if they should question their doctor or where to turn when they need another. That’s where QualityCare Connect comes in.

“Within a few days of submitting a request with QualityCare Connect, I had information on doctors in my area who not only specialize in knee injuries, but specifically sports-related knee injuries,”​ Mostyn said. “I’m done Googling doctors. As for lacrosse, I’m hoping to be back on the field with my friends soon, thanks to this great service.”

As a US Lacrosse member, you have limited-time access to this free healthcare navigation service that matches you to the best doctors for your specific injuries and conditions. To get recommendations for anything from primary care physicians to oncologists, enroll by July 31, 2020, through your member site at my.armadahealth.com/usl/members.