Dr. Murakami is a dual board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), providing non-surgical spine and joint care in Walnut Creek, CA.
Each patient receives a thorough evaluation before any treatment is recommended — the goal is accurate diagnosis, individualized planning, and care that is appropriate for where you are in your healing process.
Consultations
Comprehensive Consultation
Designed for patients with complex or longstanding pain: multiple regions or sources of pain, two or more affected joints, prior treatments that haven’t worked, or other medical conditions contributing to their symptoms. Dr. Murakami conducts an in-depth review of your history, prior treatments, and imaging, followed by a thorough physical examination. You’ll leave with a clear diagnostic assessment and a concrete plan.
This visit is also available via telehealth for patients throughout California, and as a remote collaborative consultation for patients outside the Bay Area who wish to continue care with their local providers.
Single Joint Consultation
A focused evaluation for one joint or region — appropriate for a new or isolated injury, or for patients who have a clear diagnosis and want expert assessment of their treatment options. Dr. Murakami will review relevant history and imaging and perform a targeted examination to assess the joint and discuss next steps.
Spine & Joint Injections
Dr. Murakami performs image-guided spine and joint injection procedures in Walnut Creek and at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC), including:
- Joint injections
- Epidural injections (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar)
- Lumbar disc injections with biologics
- Trigger point injections
- Diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
Regenerative Medicine & Orthobiologics
Regenerative treatments are considered for carefully selected patients when the clinical picture supports potential benefit and when more traditional approaches have not provided adequate relief. Dr. Murakami uses these therapies as one tool within a broader treatment framework — not as a default offering.
Regenerative options include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) — for joints, tendons, and select spine conditions
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) — for more complex or advanced cases
Learn more on PRP and BMAC:
- What is PRP?
- What is BMAC?
- PRP for Knee Pain
- PRP for Back Pain
- PRP for Shoulder Injuries
- PRP for Elbow & Tendon Injuries
- BMAC for Knee Pain
- BMAC for Low Back Pain
Regenerative treatments are not covered by insurance and are paid out of pocket. Candidacy, realistic expectations, and alternative options are discussed transparently during your consultation.
A Collaborative Approach
Dr. Murakami works closely with referring physicians and rehabilitation specialists throughout the care process, including primary care physicians, orthopedic and spine surgeons, rheumatologists, and physical and occupational therapists.
Patients are welcome to continue care with their existing providers — the goal is coordination, not replacement.