Sports can be cruel, and injury is luck. Without it, you can reach heights, and with it, you might hang boots even before you pick up. But for Dwyane Wade, how was it? One of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history with three championships and 13 All-Star selections, his resume speaks for itself. However, even though he seemed ready to reach the very top of the sport, an Achilles’ heel dragged him down. But what is this weakness and how did bother him?
It’s Wade’s struggle with constant injuries. Unfortunately for Wade, his aggressive playing style took a toll on his body. This is especially so for his knees and hamstrings. At one point, he even admitted, “Before injuries, I’m like [Michael Jordan]. I’m coming for you.” But you feel for him, right? Despite the setbacks, he fought through the pain and still managed to lead the league in scoring in 2009, proving just how tough he was. But for how long?
Recently, Wade took to social media to share that his knee was acting up again. “My knee was hurting so @favor_island said we gotta go in them hamstrings!!” he wrote. In the video, a therapist was working on his leg, using three suction cups on the back of his thigh while stretching him. Suction cups can help in drawing blood to or away from the areas that need healing. But is his struggle with this new?
Jan 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade reacts after learning a statue will be erected outside of Kaseya Center in 2025, during a special ceremony during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
This isn’t a new issue for Dwyane Wade. Hamstring injuries have plagued him throughout his career, even forcing him to miss the 2015 NBA All-Star Game. Despite being retired, he still has to manage the wear and tear from years of competition. Previously, just after his retirement, Wade revealed that his knees were feeling a lot better without the rigorous exercises. Wade’s honesty about his struggles is a reminder of how demanding the NBA can be—not just during a player’s career but long after they’ve left the game.
The Flash’s struggles are all too familiar for NBA players. Many promising careers have been cut short due to injuries. Brandon Roy, a three-time All-Star, was forced to retire early because of chronic knee problems. Derrick Rose, once the youngest MVP in NBA history, had his career turned around after multiple devastating injuries. Even after retiring, players like Grant Hill continued dealing with lingering pain from their playing days.
Dwyane Wade overcomes his biggest battle
D-Wade has faced many challenges, but none as personal as his recent health scare. Now, he has emerged victorious. More than a year after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his kidney, Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union, shared an uplifting update. “He’s cancer-free now,” she revealed in an interview, expressing gratitude for his choice to keep the diagnosis private at first. This decision, she explained, gave them time to process their emotions and fears.
The former NBA star initially sought medical help after experiencing persistent stomach cramps and urinary issues. “I was like, ‘Doc, I want to know everything about my body,’” Wade recalled. A full-body scan led to the discovery of a cyst on his kidney. This required immediate surgical removal.
Going through such a difficult time undoubtedly took a lot of mental strength from the 43-year-old star. But this act of resilience didn’t go unnoticed. Union praised him for his bravery, noting that his openness might help others facing similar challenges. “He was brave enough to not only go through all the things he needed to do to take care of his health but to share it with the world and save other people.”
Their family, including their 6-year-old daughter, Kaavia, stood by him every step of the way. Union acknowledged the emotional weight of the journey. She added, “It was a challenge to give grace and receive it.” Wade’s story is not just about survival—it’s about strength, love, and the power of sharing one’s struggles. Now cancer-free, he continues to inspire both on and off the court.
The post “Knee Was Hurting”: Dwyane Wade Opens Up About Battling Physical Discomfort with A Stretch Therapist appeared first on EssentiallySports.
