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. From there, Dr. Murakami develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may draw from a range of options including mobility exercises, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and interventional injections — or any combination of these, depending on what is most appropriate for your condition.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is offered as a complement to other treatments for patients dealing with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and certain neurological symptoms. Fine needles are placed at specific points to modulate pain signaling, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural recovery processes. Dr. Murakami integrates acupuncture into a broader treatment plan where appropriate — it is not presented as a standalone cure, but as a meaningful tool for patients who may benefit from a non-pharmacologic approach alongside or between other interventions.
Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) addresses dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system through hands-on techniques that target restricted movement in joints, muscles, and connective tissue. For patients with spine-related pain, postural imbalances, or soft tissue dysfunction, OMT can improve mobility, reduce tension, and support the effectiveness of other treatments. Dr. Murakami draws on her osteopathic training to assess how structure and function interact — and applies manual treatment when it is clinically indicated as part of a patient’s individualized care plan.
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.