MARC PINGRIS has been idle for nearly half a year now, but the veteran forward is not rushing his return until he feels 100% ready to get back to action.
“I wasn’t able to walk properly for five months because of the injury,” Mr. Pingris told BusinessWorld. “ The doctor wanted me to be 100% recovered before I return. If you’ll ask me, I really wanted to come back and play now, but I don’t want to risk it as well as the doctor. I just want to continue working out.”
The many-time All-Defensive team member has just returned from his therapy sessions in Los Angeles where he was accompanied by Star physical therapist Nick Ocampo. He underwent strengthening procedures at the Movement Performance Institute in Los Angeles, the same institute where NBA players Blake Griffin, Zach Lavine, Chandler Parsons, and Tony Allen as well as PBA player Chris Lutz worked out.
Mr. Pingris is looking to return in four weeks time where he’ll wrap up the therapy procedures.
“I’m looking to return in the next four weeks,” added Mr. Pingris. “But it still depends on Nick (Ocampo). If ever I have accomplished all the things he required me to do, then I’ll be ok.”
Mr. Pingris suffered a hip injury during Game 6 of the Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series between Star and Barangay Ginebra. He missed the entire Commissioner’s Cup and last month, the 6-foot-5, former Gilas Pilipinas standout went to Dr. John Meyer, the same doctor who treated him seven years ago.
“The doctor said the rehab should be two months. I still have a month to do continuous therapy. Pero I’m now working on my footwork, timing. The doctor said I cannot fast-track my return since the injury was delicate. It was bone to bone which caused the swelling in my hip,” said Mr. Pingris.
Because of the injury, the other parts of the body were also affected, according to Mr. Pingris.
“There was a shut down in different parts of my body. It was like back to zero. It’s like suffering an ACL where the other parts of the body will be shut down,” he added.
In Los Angeles, Mr. Pingris were treated to the world class facilities, which helped him to get better.
“Facilities are hi-tech. The tread mill, for example, it can see your muscle. It can detect whether there’s something with your muscle through your movements, which muscles are weak. On my first day, they were able to see my muscle through their 3-D scanner. Everyday, I did my strengthening procedure,” he added.
Still barred from joining the team’s scrimmages, Mr. Pingris still wanted to contribute even when he’s out of action.
“I’m helping out our big men in our footwork, post moves. I’m working out with them. I’m trying to get my timing back,” he said. “I don’t have problems with my conditioning. Once I get ready and 100%, I’ll do some running twice a day just to catch up.” — Rey Joble
