Steven Tyler, who reportedly entered rehab earlier this month, said a series of surgeries and post-operative physical therapy to correct foot injuries were the reasons he checked himself into a California facility, according to a statement issued yesterday (5/29).

Tyler said the pain from the surgeries was greater than he had anticipated. "The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic," he said. "I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet."

The statement made no reference to Tyler's history of alcohol and drug abuse, which he apparently has had under control for decades. However, it is common for sober addicts to relapse when medical conditions warrant repetitive use of pain medications. This may not be the case with Tyler, though the rehab facility in which he is seeking treatment is known for treating alcohol and drug abuse.

Tyler, who said his foot injuries resulted from his trademark athletic performance on stage, expects a full recovery. "Make no mistake," he said in the statement, " Aerosmith [ tickets ] has no plans to stop rocking. There's a new album to record, then another tour."