Rafael Nadal Undergoes Stem Cell Treatment To Help Alleviate His Back Problems

Rafael Nadal has joined the list of professional athletes and sports celebrities who turned to stem cells-based therapies for healing from injury. The World No. 3 reportedly underwent stem cell treatment in an attempt to alleviate his back problems, according to his uncle and coach Toni Nadal.

Speaking to DPA News Agency, Toni said it wouldn't be the first time for Rafa to undergo stem cell treatment. The tennis star has apparently had stem cell treatments for the past six months. Toni said that a period of five weeks is required for the stem cell treatment to properly do its job. He added that Rafa did not take the treatment in the previous months between July and October because they all thought that he will be able to participate at the US Open. In addition, they were more concerned about his wrist injury then.

Toni said that Rafa injured his back during the Australian Open and it has plagued him all season. He said that Rafa wasn't able to play 100 percent because of his back problems.

Rafa, who also underwent treatment for his tendonitis and laparoscopic appendectomy last week, will resume training in December. He will kick off his 2015 season at the Mubadala Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi in January.

High-profile sport celebrities had submitted themselves to stem cell treatments. In 2011, Peyton Manning had stem cell treatment on his neck. Manning, who was playing for the Indianapolis Colts then, had flown to Europe for his neck surgery. Fat cells were taken from his belly and injected them on to his neck in the hope to regenerate the affected area.

Former American football defensive end Jarvis Green also underwent stem cell treatment for his torn-up knee in 2011. Dominican professional baseball pitcher Bartolo Colon had a controversial stem cell procedure done in 2010. World Cup star Argentine winger Angel Di Maria also had his strained thigh muscle injected with stem cells.

Even celebrities take advantage of the alleged benefits of the unproven cell treatments. Janice Dickinson sought stem cell treatment in China after she got into an accident that caused injuries on his neck, shoulder blades, back, and knee. Jack Osbourne also had the procedure done for his multiple sclerosis.