Lisa Stardust, astrologer, reveals how Joe Burrow is using crystals to recover from his injury “It would be to heal his toe”

Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Bengals, suffered a severe left-toe injury when he was sacked against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 of this NFL season, back on September 14. He was out for a full 10 weeks, only returning in Week 13 against the Ravens, despite many saying he should still be sitting out.

Doctors diagnosed the problem as a severe version of turf toe, involving tears to the ligaments around the big-toe joint. Medical staff identified it as a Grade 3 injury — the most serious level, in which the plantar complex around the joint is completely torn. Because of the severity, Burrow underwent surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation before finally making it back on to the field.

So far, so western medicine, but was that all there was to it? Thanks to a crystal tower he shared on social media, some thought he might be using more, er, alternative methods. Healing crystals, no less.

The post has since disappeared, and Burrow has never spoken about using healing crystals, but TikTok user Madisonceola captured the image: a dark wooden stand arranged with selenite, amethyst, turquoise and other stones positioned in a grid.

Burrow’s crystals prompted enough online speculation at the time that Lisa Stardust, the astrologer for NBC’s Today Show, was asked by Matthew Robertson at GQ Sports to offer her opinion,

Stardust, who also works as a tarot reader, energy healer and manifestation guide, identified the layout as a classic chakra-balancing grid. “It looks like his crystal grid is arranged in a way that balances the seven chakras,” she said, adding that the intention behind it appears straightforward. “When doing it, an intention is set. In this case it would be to heal his toe.”

The large translucent stone at the top of Burrow’s structure is selenite, a mineral Stardust described as one used to “remove negativity and allow one to reset their vibe with mental clarity.” The grid also features small pieces of amethyst and turquoise. According to Stardust, amethyst is “great for pain relief and calmness,” while turquoise is often “used for strength and stamina.”

What healing crystals are, and why some athletes turn to them

Healing crystals are minerals believed by practitioners of New Age and alternative-spirituality traditions to contain metaphysical properties capable of influencing emotional balance, physical well-being or mental clarity. In the United States, they are used by a broad cross-section of the wellness community: energy healers, self-help coaches, meditation instructors, and increasingly, celebrities and athletes who incorporate them into personal rituals.

The theory is not new. Modern crystal healing draws from older metaphysical traditions that link stones to chakra systems or symbolic energy points in the body. Practitioners often build “crystal grids” to reinforce intentions — for calm, recovery, clarity or balance.

The scientific view on healing crystals

While crystal healing enjoys significant cultural popularity, it has no demonstrated medical effect beyond placebo. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that crystals do not influence tissue repair, inflammation or physical healing. Medical professionals broadly agree that they should not be considered a treatment for structural injuries such as torn ligaments.

Still, rituals can provide psychological comfort, and sports psychologists note that athletes often turn to symbolic practices during long recoveries as a way of retaining a sense of agency.

What actually heals a turf-toe injury

Burrow’s condition, a Grade 3 turf toe, is among the most serious variants of the injury. The torn ligaments require surgical repair, followed by weeks of immobilisation, controlled weight-bearing and physical therapy to restore strength and motion. Players typically return with reinforced footwear — in Burrow’s case, a cleat fitted with a rigid carbon-fibre plate and custom orthotic to stabilise the joint.

The Bengals without Burrow

Cincinnati’s season has unravelled during Burrow’s absence. Since he was placed on injured reserve, the Bengals have cycled through backups and seen their playoff hopes collapse. By midseason the team had fallen into a deep hole, with the offense struggling to function, and the club’s record reflecting the absence of its leader.

Burrow’s return saw them record a win in his first game back, against the Ravens at the end of November, but their loss last Sunday to the Bills leaves their playoff chances hanging by the thinnest of threads.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.