What is PRP and how does it work?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors they carry. That concentrated solution is then injected precisely into the affected joint, tendon, or ligament using ultrasound guidance. PRP works with your body's own healing mechanisms to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair over time.

Is PRP covered by insurance?

PRP is not typically covered by insurance. It is considered investigational by most insurance carriers in the United States, including Medicare and most commercial plans in California. Our practice is cash-pay, with no insurance billing or referral required.

How many PRP injections will I need?

For knee osteoarthritis, the evidence supports a three-injection protocol spaced two to four weeks apart, followed by reassessment. Some patients do well with a single injection. Treatment is individualized based on severity, imaging, and your response to the first treatment.

How long does PRP last compared to a cortisone shot?

Cortisone relief typically peaks at four to six weeks and fades by three months in most patients. PRP relief tends to build gradually and, in good responders, lasts 12 to 24 months. A five-year follow-up study found that PRP patients had a significantly lower rate of needing re-treatment at 24 months compared to hyaluronic acid.

Am I a good candidate for PRP?

The best candidates are people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis or soft tissue injuries such as tendons and ligaments who have not responded adequately to conservative care and are not yet at the point of needing surgery. Advanced arthritis (bone-on-bone) is less likely to respond well to PRP. A thorough evaluation including review of your imaging is necessary before recommending treatment.

What is BMAC therapy?

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is an orthobiologic treatment where bone marrow is drawn from your pelvis, concentrated, and injected into a damaged joint or tissue. BMAC contains stem cells, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory proteins. It is typically used for moderate to advanced joint degeneration where PRP alone may not be sufficient.

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a naturally occurring protein in your blood that inhibits the enzymes responsible for cartilage breakdown in arthritic joints. A2M therapy concentrates this protein from your own blood and injects it into the affected joint to help protect remaining cartilage and slow further deterioration.

Do you accept insurance?

No. This is a cash-pay practice. There is no insurance billing, no referral required, and no wait for prior authorization. Regenerative medicine treatments including PRP, BMAC, and A2M are not covered by most insurance plans and are offered on a self-pay basis.

Dual Board-Certified

Pain Medicine & Regenerative Medicine Specialist
in Walnut Creek, CA

No Referral Required | No Insurance Required | Telehealth Available

Consultation in Walnut Creek

Still in Pain After Trying Everything?

Many patients arrive after seeing multiple specialists, completing physical therapy, or trying treatments that provided only temporary relief. Others would like to explore options both inside and outside of the conventional medical system.

Dr. Murakami takes the time other practices don’t. At her clinic in Walnut Creek, appointments are never rushed, and treatment plans are built around your functional goals, looking beyond diagnosis.

Consultations are available at the Walnut Creek office or via telehealth for remote patients.

Infographic showing a knee joint surrounded by icons for lab tests, nerve function, symptom tracking, and diagnostic insight, illustrating the process of untangling complex pain cases

What is your Pain Generator?

Precision Medicine for Spine and Joint Care

Dual board-certified osteopathic physician in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Over 15 years of clinical experience
Adjunct Faculty at Touro University
In-patient hospital experience at Mount Sinai and UC San Diego
Former founder of an integrative medicine center

Dr. Murakami’s training spans conventional interventional pain medicine, osteopathic principles, regenerative medicine (orthobiologics), and integrative therapies, looking beyond the site of your pain to identify its true drivers.

Logos of Touro University, Mount Sinai Hospital, and UC San Diego

Comprehensive Care for Spine & Joint pain

Integrative Therapies

Dr. Murakami offers hands-on integrative pain therapies that address the underlying contributors to pain. Osteopathic manipulative treatments targets restricted movement in joints, muscles, and connective tissue. Acupuncture is used to modulate pain signaling and support the body’s natural recovery processes. Individualized mobility and exercise programs are also prescribed to rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and support lasting recovery. These therapies may serve as a primary treatment or be integrated into a broader care plan alongside injections or regenerative procedures.

Interventional Spine & Joint Injections

Dr. Murakami performs image-guided procedures under fluoroscopic (x-ray) and ultrasound guidance, including epidural injections, nerve blocks, joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and sympathetic nerve blocks. Select procedures are performed in the office; more complex procedures are performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

Regenerative Medicine & Orthobiologics

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) are considered for carefully selected patients when the clinical picture supports their use, as part of a broader diagnostic and treatment framework, not as a default offering. Dr. Murakami specializes in PRP and BMAC for spine, joint, tendon, and ligament conditions in Walnut Creek and throughout the East Bay.

Comparison chart of traditional steroid injections, PRP, and BMAC for joint treatment, showing differences in inflammation reduction, tissue healing, and regenerative cell concentration

Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?

TESTIMONIALS

From lifelong athletes to biohackers to retirees, Dr. Murakami has helped patients across the Bay Area return to the activities that define them — whether that’s tennis, hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying daily life without pain.

Rosalina Perenia

I started receiving PRP injection for my rotator cuff tear twice from Dr Murakami over 2 years ago here in San Jose, CA. She moved in Walnut Creek, CA and continue to see her for another PRP injection but his time it's my right hip Labrum sequela tear. Dr Murakami is a very caring doctor is very knowledgeable and I will continue to see her for more treatment whenever it's necessary to help my pain.

Denise Pressler

Dr. Murakami was thorough and professional. We appreciated how carefully she listened to my husband’s and my concerns. Although no treatment was provided, we decided to follow her advice first and will seek treatment if there is no improvement. Highly recommend!

Samuel Funk

Unfortunately, I have numerous complicated health issues, including the amputation of my Lt leg below the knee. The discomfort is severe and chronic. Dr. Murakami has come up with some ideas that may be beneficial and has done exhaustive work to get me in front of the correct medical individuals.

Carrie Bradley

My first visit with Dr Murakami was very pleasant and professional. She used time efficiently to evaluate and explained everything, including answering all my questions. She was relatable and made me feel comfortable. I highly recommend her.

Catherine Vakili

Very patient-oriented, understanding and everyone in the entire office was just so nice! Dr. Murakami was educated, experienced, she listened well and she went the extra mile to make sure I was comfortable, too! Everyone deserves this type of care! Thanks Dr. Murakami for everything!

Blaine Walke

I work in healthcare as a RN of 20 years and I would give my highest recommendation for Dr Murakami and staff. They were very professional and caring and kept me informed every step of the way. Thank you for all you do.

Mercy Clark

GREAT DOCTOR

Clarissa H.

Although there was a long wait for my appointment once I arrived on time, it was well worth the wait. Dr. Murakami did not rush me, took the time to genuinely listen, explain treatment options, including some less conventional ones, and I left feeling like she understood how my chronic pain impacts me and genuinely is curious what's going on with my spine, muscles, bones, etc and wants to help. It's unfortunately rare to find a doctor that takes their time and listens to their patients and I feel fortunate to have found Dr. Murakami. She's clearly incredibly knowledgeable and enjoys sharing information, which I really appreciate.

Wendy E.

Quality care. Dr Murakami is very knowledgeable and patient. Appreciate the detailed explanation of every procedure.

Vickie P.

Mikiko Murikami, is a beautiful caring Doctor I have been suffering from chronic pain For many years and she is only one who really understands me. She has taken care of me and has been treating my pain with great remedies. Epidurals help me walk just seeing her on video calls talking to her makes me feel comfortable. She heals makes feel like a friend. She really cares I am grateful that Dr. Bo Lee referred me. The staff are friendly and supportive.

Giang N.

Dr.Murakami is very kind, she showed empathy for my illness. She took her time and was precise on providing me feedback to help me understand my pain. She was attentive during the examination and was able to provide a solution to the problem. I highly recommended going to her for quality care.

sharon m.

Dr.Murakami is a life saver! I have had pressure behind my right eye since 2017. All other providers offered opioids, pain patch,cortisone shot, 🙁 After my MRI she explained in detail as to why I have pain. We came together in a plan, retro-orbital block. I'm pain free since February 29th yippee!!! I highly recommend Dr.Murakami

Lois M.

Dr. Mikiko Murakami, DO, I have been a patient of Dr. Murakami for years.! I absolutely credit her with restoring my life back to me. Her Professional, Personable, Knowledge, far exceeds any & all my expectations. I can't begin to imagine the Level of Pain that I would have to be enduring had I not been referred to her. She is only my 2nd Doctor that I would follow her anywhere, to assure that I would remain her patients. My entire family, trust's her completely, & my family is Very Protective, where I am concerned! She is not simply a Fabulous Doctor,! She is Truly A Wonderful Human Being. My wish is for anyone that has to endure constant, chronic, pain, are as fortunate as I am to have her as my PHYSICIAN. I would gladly RECOMMEND HER TO ANYONE & EVERYONE! I would certainly advise anyone...!Please don't let her Small Statute &! Her Soft Speaking Voice, fool you. She ABSOLUTELY KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING & WHAT HER PATIENTS Sincerely, Lois M

Michael D.

Dr. Murakami is an excellent physician who is very knowledgeable, professional, is current with the latest medical developments, and is also very friendly. She asks probing questions to determine the nature of the issue, offers several treatment options, advising the various pros & cons for each option, and collaborates with the patient to decide what is the appropriate course for treatment to follow. I can recommend her with confidence.

Morton L.

Very caring and very efficient... highly recommend ! We are new patient but we're very impressed with our first meeting.

S S.

Dr. Murakami has strong domain expertise in her area of specialty. She is easy to communicate with and helped me deal with my back pain. She took the time to understand my issue and developed multiple approaches to help me solve the back spasms I was facing almost daily. I highly recommend her and believe you will be satisfied with her approach and service. Thank you Dr. Murakami!

Gene W.

Dr.Murakami.... Is the best and I've been going to her for over a year and she has helped me tremendously... I owe everything to her for getting me walking again... Believe me, she is the best and very professional... You'll be very happy with her... She's the greatest

Get Started with Dr. Murakami in Walnut Creek