Navigating Recovery: A Journey from Thumb Fracture Surgery to Rehabilitation with Hustle Play’s Support

Park Seung-kyu Shares Recovery Update, Eyes Stronger Return to Samsung Lions

Daegu, South Korea – September 24, 2025 – Samsung Lions outfielder Park Seung-kyu made an appearance at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on Tuesday, offering a positive update on his recovery from a recent thumb injury. The sidelined athlete visited to show support for his teammates as they continue the season.

Park Seung-kyu sustained the injury to his right thumb on august 30th during a game against the Hanwha Eagles in Daejeon.He underwent successful surgery two days later at a hospital in Daegu, bringing an abrupt end to his 2025 season. Prior to the injury, Park maintained a batting average of .280 with 6 home runs and 14 RBIs in 64 games, also adding 5 stolen bases to his performance.

Rehabilitation and Positive mindset

Despite the setback, Park Seung-kyu remains upbeat. He stated that he has already begun rehabilitation efforts, including indoor bike work and bodyweight exercises. “It’s okay to rest,” Park remarked. “I’ve joined the rehabilitation forces since yesterday and riding an indoor bike and bare body exercise.” When asked about his mental state, he expressed a continued love for the game, stating, “There is nothing special. I have fun watching baseball.”

His recent performance before the injury was notable, achieving a .360 batting average with 11 hits, including one home run and three RBIs, in his last 10 games. Park acknowledged the unfortunate timing but expressed confidence in his readiness for the upcoming season. “It’s not unfortunate, but if you prepare for the lack of the season, it will be better next year.”

Fan Support and Team Fellowship

The Samsung Lions demonstrated a strong show of support for Park Seung-kyu, displaying his number 66 on their hats during the game. Park Seung-kyu expressed his gratitude for the gesture. “Thank you vrey much,” he said. “The fans support was also a big help. I think I can go well with rehabilitation with a lot of worries and support.” Park also shared how messages from fans serve as encouragement during his recovery. “I haven’t read all the messages yet, but I think it’s a little help whenever I see ‘I have hope and courage.'”

outside of baseball, Park Seung-kyu is finding solace in literature, currently reading “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” at the advice of a family member. He believes the book’s philosophical insights will be beneficial. “It will be a great help becuase it contains life philosophy. Now it’s the beginning, but I want to read it until the end.”

Looking Ahead

Park Seung-kyu is focused on improving his overall game in preparation for next season. He identified areas for development, including defensive skills, base running, and refining his batting timing.”The defense and the base should be better prepared, and the blow should be reduced in the case of the timing. there are times when the mind and the reality are different in the plate, and I will trim it tightly.”

Despite the team facing challenges in securing a postseason berth for the second consecutive year, Park Seung-kyu remains a dedicated supporter. “I want to be with the players fiercely, and I want to be together next year. If the postseason is confirmed,I will find and cheer for the baseball field.” He is determined to return stronger, fueled by the support of his teammates and fans.

Son Chan-ik is a sports reporter.

Statistic	2025 Season (Pre-Injury)
Games Played	64
Batting Average	.280
Home Runs	6
RBIs	14
Stolen Bases	5

The Importance of Athlete Rehabilitation

Athlete rehabilitation is a critical component of professional sports, often determining the long-term success and longevity of a player’s career. Modern rehabilitation programs, like the one Park Seung-kyu is undergoing, focus on a holistic approach, incorporating not only physical therapy but also mental and nutritional support. According to a 2024 study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, athletes who adhere to a structured rehabilitation program are 30% more likely to return to their pre-injury performance level.

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports medicine is a premier source for information on sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Pro Tip:

Staying positive and maintaining a strong support system are just as crucial to recovery as the physical therapy itself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Park Seung-kyu’s Injury

What type of injury did Park Seung-kyu sustain?

Park Seung-kyu suffered an injury to his right thumb, requiring surgery.

When did Park Seung-kyu get injured?

He was injured on August 30, 2025, during a game against the Hanwha Eagles.

what is Park Seung-kyu doing during his recovery?

He is currently undergoing rehabilitation, including indoor bike work and bodyweight exercises.

How is the Samsung Lions team supporting Park Seung-kyu?

The team has shown their support by displaying his number 66 on their hats during games.

What are Park Seung-kyu’s goals for his return?

Park seung-kyu aims to improve his defense, base running, and batting timing for the next season.

What are your thoughts on Park Seung-kyu’s recovery? Do you think a positive mindset is the most important element in an athlete’s return from injury?

Share your comments below and let us no your opinion!

How does Hustle Play facilitate remote monitoring of a patient’s progress during the initial post-operative phase following thumb surgery?

Understanding Thumb Fractures & Surgical intervention

A thumb fracture can significantly disrupt daily life, impacting everything from grip strength to fine motor skills. Surgical intervention, while sometimes daunting, is frequently enough necessary for stable fixation and optimal healing, especially in cases of displaced fractures or intra-articular injuries. Common surgical procedures include thumb fracture repair, thumb metacarpal fracture surgery, and scaphoid fracture fixation (if the fracture extends to the scaphoid bone).Post-surgery, a structured thumb fracture rehabilitation program is crucial.

The initial Post-Operative Phase (Weeks 1-6)

The first six weeks following thumb surgery are focused on protecting the repair and minimizing swelling. This phase emphasizes:

* Immobilization: Typically, a cast or splint is applied to maintain alignment and prevent movement. Adherence to your surgeon’s instructions regarding cast care is paramount.

* Pain Management: Prescribed pain medication and over-the-counter analgesics can help manage discomfort. Ice packs, applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day, are also effective in reducing swelling and pain.

* Early Range of Motion (ROM): Gentle, guided exercises – frequently enough initiated with the assistance of a hand therapist – focus on maintaining mobility in unaffected joints (wrist, elbow, shoulder) to prevent stiffness. These are not exercises for the fractured thumb itself during this initial phase.

* Edema Control: Elevating the hand above heart level frequently helps reduce swelling. Compression bandages can also be beneficial.

Keywords: post-operative care, thumb splint, pain relief, hand therapy, swelling reduction, fracture healing

Hustle Play’s Role in Early rehabilitation

Hustle Play’s platform provides a unique advantage during this initial phase. While direct thumb manipulation is restricted, Hustle Play offers:

* Remote Monitoring: Regular virtual check-ins with a physical therapist through the platform allow for assessment of swelling, pain levels, and adherence to the prescribed protocol.

* Personalized Exercise Programs: Hustle Play creates tailored exercise routines for the unaffected joints, ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation even while the thumb is immobilized.

* Educational Resources: Access to videos and articles explaining the healing process,potential complications,and proper cast care.

* Progress Tracking: The platform allows you to log pain levels, swelling, and exercise completion, providing valuable data for your therapist.

Phase 2: Restoring Range of Motion (Weeks 6-12)

Once the cast or splint is removed (typically around 6 weeks, as resolute by your surgeon), the focus shifts to regaining range of motion. This phase involves:

* Gentle ROM Exercises: Hand therapists guide you through exercises to gradually increase thumb flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

* Scar Tissue Management: Massage and mobilization techniques help prevent scar tissue buildup, wich can restrict movement.

* Grip Strengthening (Light): Introduction of light grip strengthening exercises using putty or small weights.

* Proprioceptive Exercises: Exercises to improve awareness of thumb position and movement.

Keywords: range of motion exercises, hand therapy exercises, scar tissue mobilization, grip strength, proprioception, thumb mobility

Hustle Play’s Enhanced Support in Phase 2

Hustle Play significantly enhances this phase through:

* Tele-Rehabilitation Sessions: Live, interactive sessions with a hand therapist via video conferencing, providing real-time feedback and exercise correction.

* Customized Exercise Library: Access to a vast library of exercises tailored to your specific needs and progress.

* Gamified Rehabilitation: Hustle Play’s gamified approach makes exercises more engaging and motivating, improving adherence.

* Biometric Feedback: Integration with wearable sensors (optional) to track movement patterns and provide objective data on progress.

Phase 3: Strengthening & Functional Recovery (Weeks 12+)

The final phase focuses on restoring full strength,dexterity,and function. This includes:

* Progressive Strengthening Exercises: Gradually increasing the resistance and complexity of grip and pinch strengthening exercises.

* Functional Activities: Practicing everyday tasks – such as typing, writing, opening jars, and lifting objects – to rebuild functional skills.

* Sport-Specific training (if applicable): For athletes, incorporating exercises that mimic the movements required in thier sport.

* Return-to-Work/Activity Planning: Developing a plan for gradually returning to work or other activities.

keywords: grip strength training, pinch strength, functional rehabilitation, return to sport, hand dexterity, occupational therapy

Real-World Example: A Musician’s Recovery

A professional guitarist underwent surgery for a thumb metacarpal fracture. Initially, he was concerned about the impact on his playing. Utilizing Hustle Play, he maintained wrist and elbow mobility during immobilization. Post-cast