Mikael Pietrus of NBA's Phoenix Suns receives traditional Chinese physical treatment from a monk of the Shaolin Monastery, famous for its mastery in kungfu, or Chinese martial arts.

Mickael Pietrus, the famous NBA player for the Phoenix Suns, came to the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province to treat his muscle and knee joint injuries.

Pietrus tried several traditional Chinese medicine therapies, including acupuncture, massage and some unique remedies administered by Shaolin monks.

The American basketball player was told to calm his mind before the treatment, local news portal, Dahe.cn, reported today.

Pietrus' right knee was badly swollen after a surgery months before, so he came to the legendary Shaolin Temple hoping to find a cure.

"I knew kung fu masters Jackie Chen and Bruce Lee. Shaolin kung fu is the best!" Pietrus said.

Besides its martial arts, the Shaolin Temple is also known for its traditional Chinese medicine. The Buddhist monastery began to have its own hospital more than 1,000 years ago, the report said.

Pietrus was not the first NAB star to seek treatment in the Shaolin Temple. Abbot Shi Yongxin said Shaquille O'Neal also came and tried one ointment prepared by the temple.

Pietrus left the Shaolin Temple for France yesterday, without completing all the last two rounds of therapy due to his tight schedule. But he said he felt better. His knees no long had the pain and he would resume practice soon.

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