In the final years of Kobe Bryant’s career, the Lakers legend began traveling abroad for knee checkups. While the five-time NBA champion’s talent was still as great as ever, his health was taking a hit.
So Bryant consulted a specialist in Germany for a procedure that would help rejuvenate his knees. The move paid off, as Bryant began treatment in 2010 and continued to play with Los Angeles until 2016.
Well, the same thing could happen with another star, but in a different sport.
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is reportedly traveling to Germany for a health evaluation. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year has yet to play in a 2024 game as a lingering Achilles issue has sidelined him.
He will now have to undergo the same treatment that Bryant received ten years ago. Here is some information about the operation.
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Why is Christian McCaffrey going to Germany?
McCaffrey is traveling to Germany to see a specialist “to see what’s wrong with his Achilles tendonitis,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is seeing an expert in Germany about his Achilles tendonitis.@Adam Schefter pic.twitter.com/l0dWfxuRqF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 23, 2024
McCaffrey is expected to remain in Germany for a few days to undergo an evaluation of his calf and Achilles tendon injuries.
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What is Kobe Bryant’s treatment?
THE treatment that Bryant researched over a decade ago is called Regenokine, also known as Orthokine. According to WebMDIt’s “a type of regenerative medicine that uses your own blood to treat your joint pain.”
“This serum is made from your blood,” explains WebMD. “It’s processed to produce an anti-inflammatory protein called IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). This protein can alter your body’s inflammatory response and improve damage to your cartilage.”
Dr. Peter Wehling, a German orthopedist, is the originator of the procedure, which essentially involves taking your blood, treating it with extra proteins, and then injecting it back into your body. It is similar to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy but has some unique features. differences.
Like Bryant, McCaffrey is forced to travel to Germany to see if the treatment is effective, as it is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important to note, however, that while it is not regulated in the United States, it is not banned by sports leagues.
In addition to Bryant, other famous athletes who have undergone this procedure include Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, Tracy McGrady and Fred Couples.
How long will Christian McCaffrey be out?
The 49ers placed the star running back on IR before Week 1, so he’ll be out until Week 4 at the earliest.
The fact that he is going to Germany is not a good sign that he will return soon. However, the positive aspect of the procedure is that there is no downtime required after the treatment.
Expect San Francisco to provide another update on McCaffrey’s future availability after its Week 4 meeting with New England following its trip to Germany.
