According to a report in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, Bryant visited Düsseldorf molecular orthopaedist Peter Wehling twice during the off season for innovative blood and platelet treatments meant to ease the star’s pain.

The 33-year-old shooting guard has suffered chronic pain in his right knee and left ankle over the past few seasons.

He told the Times that the positive results he’s noticed from Wehling’s treatment would be a “huge plus” for his National Basketball Association team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I feel a lot quicker and able to get to the basket and free throw line,” he told the Times.

Wehling is the founder of his Centre for Molecular Orthopaedics and has become well-known for cutting edge treatments targeted at elite athletes.

His “Regenokine” therapy that he used to treat Bryant involves removing blood from a patient’s affected body party, then removing interleukin proteins from the blood and re-injecting them into the body, according to the Times.

Bryant’s Lakers are scheduled to start their NBA season Sunday with a game against the Chicago Bulls, although it’s not clear if Bryant will play due to a torn arm ligament he suffered in an exhibition game on Monday.

The season is beginning later than its typical October or November start this year because of labour strife between players and owners.

The Local/mdm