Why did an NBA star turn to stem cell treatment?
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns received stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in his knees, left ankle, right finger and left wrist after a season of injuries. He hoped to avoid surgery and be ready for training camp. Stem cell and PRP treatments are regenerative medicine options that use the body’s own resources to support healing.
When you’re playing at the very top, your physical health is the most crucial factor. If you are less than 100 percent for any game, then you are not going to be performing at 100 percent and you risk being cut. Also, if you spend too long on the injured list, then there’s always the chance that someone else could sweep in and pinch your spot on the roster, and there’s no way back.
These factors must all have been playing heavily on the mind of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. The three-time All-Star ended the 2021-22 season with a whole heap of injuries and physical ailments to deal with – pain in both knees, a cyst in his left ankle, ligament damage and a partial dislocation of his wrist and a joint on his little finger being aggravated. In an attempt to avoid surgery and possibly a delay in joining the 2022-23 season training camp, Towns has taken the alternative route of using regenerative medicine techniques.
Images of Towns Posted Online Sparked an Interest in the NBA Star’s Physical Health
After Towns’ girlfriend Jordyn Woods posted an image of her partner at home on Instagram wearing a knee brace and with a crutch in the background, it was revealed that Towns had received stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections in both knees, his left ankle, his right finger and his left wrist. All this was done in the hopes that Towns would be able to make it through the off season without the need of going under surgery.
Despite playing through pain during much of last season, Towns posted some impressive stats for the Timberwolves. He averaged 24.6 points per game, with 9.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks. He also secured a 41 percent shot average for three-pointers. If named All-NBA, Towns will receive a contract with the Timberwolves that will see him through until 2028, earning a total of $210 million.
PRP Therapy and Stem Cell Treatment are Both Forms of Regenerative Medicine
Stem cell treatment and platelet-rich plasma are both examples of regenerative medicine techniques. Such treatments harvest and enhance the body’s natural resources in order to aid the healing process. They are an effective alternative to surgery.
If you would like to be an All-Star yourself when it comes to regenerative medicine, please contact the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine at (248) 216-1008 or via email using our online contact form.
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