Pau Gasol to undergo ‘FAST Technique’ procedure on knees Thursday
Pau Gasol will undergo a “FAST Technique” procedure Thursday to help alleviate tendinosis in both knees.
According to a release from the Lakers, the procedure “uses a probe inserted into the knee which directs ultrasonic energy to eliminate scar tissue without damaging healthy tissue.”
Gasol sat out eight games in early December to rest his aching knees. He missed five games in March with a concussion and 20 through February/March with a foot injury (torn plantar fascia).
The procedure will be performed by Dr. Steven Yoon of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group.
According to Tenex Health, the FAST Technique is a minimally invasive treatment, performed with a local anesthetic, that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. A normal recovery time from the procedure is six weeks although the Lakers estimate Gasol’s recovery will be much briefer.
The team will have a better recovery timeline when the procedure is complete. But since the Lakers were recently eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, Gasol and the team have plenty of time off until next preseason.
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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