Zion Williamson Injury: Specialist Provides Insight On Rehab Process
NEW ORLEANS - Zion Williamson injured his right hamstring against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 2. Since, he reaggravated the injury around the All-Star break leading to the New Orleans losing their star player for multiple weeks. Two weeks ago, the medical staff cleared Zion for on-court activities but gave no official timetable for his return.
Nov 10, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; General view of the back of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) jersey during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, the Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, released a health update on Zion Williamson.
"After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen. We will continue to monitor his progression, and updates will be provided as warranted.” David Griffin - New Orleans Pelicans EVP of Basketball Operations
Pelicans Scoop had a Q&A session with Dr. Rajpal Brar, PT, DPT, CSCS of 3CB Performance. He specializes in physical therapy, strength and conditioning specialist, movement, and mechanics. Dr. Brar provided insight into Zion's recovery process and the steps needed to return to the court healthy.
Pelicans Scoop: Zion's initial hamstring injury happened in January, but he suffered a setback with a reaggravation of his hamstring. Since grades classify hamstring injuries, can a reaggravation elevate the grade?
Dr. Brar: It’s certainly possible.
Pelicans Scoop: How can an athlete try to maintain conditioning in the recovery process of a moderate to severe hamstring injury?
Dr. Brar: It depends on the stages of rehab. Early on, there won’t be much movement but can potentially use an upper-body bike and then as you progress, can move to modified weight cardio (pool) & cardio that doesn’t put as much load on the hamstrings (cycle, walk) until the individual is able to run (running will be graduated as well. For example, starting in the pool and then on an anti-gravity treadmill and then to normal, full weight running).
Mar 23, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) talks to fans on a time out against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Pelicans Scoop: What precautions should the Pelicans take with an athlete like Zion who relies on power and explosiveness while trying to "ramp up" production to get on the court following a hamstring injury?
Dr. Brar: You have to be even more methodical & cautious because that explosive power and situations he finds himself will add additional demands to the body.
Pelicans Scoop: As far as expectations if Zion returns to the court this year, should there be a minutes restriction or a time limit for continuous play when he first gets back from this type of injury?
Dr. Brar: Definitely. Same as everything else, methodical graduated progression.
Pelicans Scoop: What measures would you recommend a player like Zion take in the future to prevent similar injuries?
Dr. Brar: First and foremost is you can’t rush the process, especially following re-injury. Secondly, if he and the team aren’t already, have to address all inputs of health including the fundamental tenets of sleep, nutrition and stress.
Additional information on Dr. Brar can be found here.
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