Why do NBA players go to Europe for injury treatment? Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid latest examples

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic traveled to Spain to treat his injured hamstring. Now, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is headed to Europe for injury treatment as well. And it’s not a coincidence. Many NBA players leave the United States and seek medical care in Europe instead, and it’s for a good reason, with a mix of science, regulation, and trust at the forefront.

NBA stars head for Europe to receive medical care

NBA players seeking treatment in Europe is nothing new. Superstars such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have previously traveled overseas for specialized procedures, particularly in Germany.

Even outside basketball, global athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo have turned to European clinics to accelerate recovery. What’s happening with Doncic and Embiid is simply the latest chapter in a long-running trend.

One of the biggest reasons players go abroad is regulation. In the United States, treatments involving stem cells and other regenerative techniques are tightly controlled by the FDA. That often limits how quickly new procedures can be used or how aggressively they can be applied.

In parts of Europe, those restrictions are looser, allowing doctors to use more advanced versions of regenerative therapies, apply treatments more quickly, and customize procedures in ways that aren’t always permitted in the U.S.

For athletes, time is everything. European clinics are widely known for therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and regenerative and orthobiologic treatments. These are designed to speed up tissue repair and reduce recovery timelines.

In Doncic’s case, reports indicated he was seeking treatment in Spain for a hamstring injury with the hope of cutting recovery time significantly, potentially returning weeks earlier than expected.

Another key factor is trust. Certain European doctors and clinics have built reputations as leaders in treating chronic injuries, soft tissue damage, and hard-to-heal conditions. When high-profile athletes see others return quickly and successfully, it creates a ripple effect. Success stories from players like Bryant helped establish Europe as a go-to destination for cutting-edge recovery.

It’s not that these treatments don’t exist in the United States. They often do. But the difference comes down to availability (with fewer restrictions abroad), aggressiveness of treatment, and speed of access. For elite athletes trying to return as quickly as possible, even a small edge can make a major difference.

When it comes to recovery, players will go wherever gives them the best chance to get back on the court faster. And for many, that place continues to be Europe.

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