Injuries in sports can be devastating, especially when they involve a beloved athlete. From a torn ACL to a broken bone, injuries can have a lasting impact on an athlete’s career and even their entire life.
In the NBA, some of the most famous players have suffered serious injuries that altered the course of their careers.
Here are some of the most notorious NBA injuries of all time and how they affected these legendary athletes.
Paul George’s broken leg
In 2014, Indiana Pacers star Paul George suffered a horrific leg injury while playing in a scrimmage for Team USA.
While trying to block a layup, he landed awkwardly and fractured his right tibia and fibula.
The severity of the injury was so great that it left everyone watching in shock. George had surgery and was forced to miss the entire 2014-15 season, but returned the following season and was named an All-Star.
Derek Rose anterior cruciate ligament tears
One of the most devastating injuries in sports is a torn ACL, and it has ended many NBA careers. In 2012, Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL during the playoffs.
This injury was particularly heartbreaking as Rose was at the peak of his career and had just won MVP that season.
After undergoing surgery, he missed the entire 2012-13 season and was unable to return until the following year.
The disastrous fall of Shaun Livingston
Another notorious injury in the NBA that had a lasting impact was the horrific fall suffered by then-rookie Shaun Livingston in 2007.
While playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Livingston headed to the basket and tried to lie down when his knee tragically sprained and collapsed to the floor.
His knee dislocated and he suffered a severely torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), PCL, and articular cartilage.
He had multiple surgeries and missed the entire 2007-2008 season. Despite being told he would never play again, Livingston was determined to return and eventually returned to the NBA in 2009.
Kobe Bryant ruptured the Achilles tendon
Kobe Bryant’s 2013 ruptured Achilles tendon is considered one of the most infamous NBA injuries of all time.
The injury occurred during a game against the Golden State Warriors when Kobe missed a jumper and felt excruciating pain in his lower left leg when he fell to the ground.
Upon further examination, it was revealed that Kobe had ruptured his Achilles tendon, and was forced to miss the remainder of that season and much of the following as well.
Although Kobe eventually returned to the court, his career took a major downturn after this devastating injury.
Yao Ming gave trouble
Yao Ming’s foot problems are perhaps one of the most unfortunate and most serious injuries in NBA history.
In 2008, the Houston Rockets center suffered a stress fracture in his left foot that caused him to miss the entire season.
After undergoing surgery, he returned for the 2009-10 season but was limited to only 5 matches due to recurring ankle and foot problems.
He missed the entire 2011-12 season due to a long-term fracture in his left ankle, and eventually retired from the NBA in 2011 after being unable to fully recover.
Rehabilitation and recovery
When it comes to rehabilitating seriously injured NBA players, there are a wide range of treatments and therapies that can be used to help them get back on the court.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation is rest and recovery, as this gives the injured player’s body time to heal without any additional stress or strain on it. In addition to recovery, there are a lot of other options, some of which we will mention.
physical therapy
It can be used to help strengthen the injured area and improve range of motion.
Other forms of treatment such as acupuncture, massage, and cryotherapy may also be recommended depending on the specific injury.
jellies
Gels are often used as part of the rehabilitation protocol for seriously injured NBA players. These gels are usually made to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.
It can be applied directly to the affected area or taken orally in tablet form.
CBD gels have become increasingly popular in recent years as a main form of treatment For seriously injured NBA players.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. t
Thus, it can be beneficial for NBA players who are dealing with serious injuries and need to manage the associated pain.
psychological support
This is an important part of the rehabilitation process for seriously injured NBA players.
A professional counselor or psychologist can provide the emotional and mental support that may be necessary to help the player deal with the physical and psychological aspects of their injury.
last word
In conclusion, critically injured NBA players need comprehensive rehabilitation protocols in order to get back on the court.
Rest and recovery are essential to allow their bodies time to heal, while physical therapy can help strengthen the injured area and improve range of motion.
Certain gels may be recommended as part of the treatment plan – such as CBD gels which have anti-inflammatory properties – and psychological support is necessary to manage the physical and emotional aspects of the injury.
With the dedication of medical professionals, proper rest and recovery, and access to all forms of supportive therapies available today, any basketball player can bounce back from even the most devastating injuries.