Jayson Tatum faced one of the toughest moments of his career when an Achilles rupture during the playoffs abruptly halted his season. The Boston Celtics star has been candid about the injury, the early pain, and the road to recovery that followed.
What happened on the court and the immediate aftermath
During a postseason game in May against the New York Knicks, Tatum felt a sudden, sharp event in his lower leg. He recognized the injury instinctively and realized something serious had occurred.
Surgery followed the next day to repair the torn Achilles. In the hours after the operation, Tatum experienced intense side effects from the standard opioid given for pain control. He told medical staff that the medication left him nauseous and disoriented.
Why he chose a non-opioid route for pain management
Under the care of Dr. Martin J. O’Malley of the Hospital for Special Surgery, Tatum transitioned from opioids to a non-opioid medication called Journavx.
Doctors explain opioids reduce pain by altering signals in the brain and can trigger the brain’s reward pathways. That benefit also brings a risk of dependence.
How Journavx differs
Journavx works at the periphery of the nervous system. It reduces pain signals before they reach the brain. Because it does not act on central reward centers, clinicians say it carries less addiction risk.
Dr. O’Malley cautioned that all medicines have potential side effects. He emphasized patients should discuss options with their physicians.
Phases of recovery after an Achilles rupture
Tatum has described the rehab as a multi-stage process that stretches over months. He partnered with the medication makers to share his experience and to raise awareness about alternatives to opioids.
- Immediate post-op: Wound care, pain control, and immobilization.
- First two weeks: Stitches removed and close monitoring.
- Weeks 2–10: Casting or booting with gradual adjustments.
- By week 4: Partial weight bearing and transition off crutches.
- Ongoing: Progressive physical therapy and strength work.
Tatum reported the non-opioid medication helped him manage moderate to severe acute pain and made rehab more tolerable.
Rehab approach and the timeline to return
Dr. O’Malley notes professional athletes typically need 9 to 12 months to return to pre-injury performance. For most people, basic daily activities resume much sooner.
- 10–12 weeks: walking comfortably in regular shoes.
- ~6 months: feeling largely recovered for most activities.
- 9–12 months: return to elite competitive play if rehab is complete.
Physical therapy is central to a successful comeback. Consistent, focused rehab can restore strength, mobility, and confidence. Tatum has been praised by his surgeon for his intensity and work ethic in therapy.
Emotional toll and the role of support
Missing an entire season is a heavy psychological blow. Tatum admitted initial disbelief and doubt as he confronted the long recovery ahead.
Family and friends played a crucial role. Time with his mother, close friends, and his children lifted his spirits on tough days. He also felt the encouragement of fans via social media.
That outside support helped him stay motivated during the slow, sometimes frustrating phases of rehab.
Lessons learned: valuing health and longevity
The injury prompted Tatum to rethink daily habits that affect long-term performance. He now places greater emphasis on sleep, nutrition, and recovery work.
- Prioritize sleep and consistent rest.
- Focus on purposeful nutrition and hydration.
- Invest time in preventative strength and mobility work.
Tatum says the experience deepened his gratitude for the game and for the platform basketball provides his family.
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