Alex Rodriguez Undergoes Experimental Knee Treatment
Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees $300 million dollar man reportedly got a plane to Germany to undergo “Orthokine” therapy on his knee and shoulder. A few months ago Rodriguez heard about the experimental therapy from none other than LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.
Kobe underwent the therapy in order to recover form a knee injury and he credits the therapy with giving him the ability to stay on the court.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman told Yankees.com “Kobe had maintained, according to Alex, that he felt significantly better because of it. Alex was interested in pursuing it as long as the Yankees’ medical staff was comfortable with it and vetted the process. He basically asked us to look into it.”
Major League Baseball had to also be consulted because the process involves blood treatments and Rodriguez (who has admitted steroid use in the past) didn’t want to be accused of cheating.
Orthokine Therapy is a process in which blood is taken from the patient’s arm vein and having it spun in a centrifuge to isolate protective proteins. That solution is then injected into the area to be treated once or twice a week.
Rodriguez had one of the worst seasons in his career last year, batting .276 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs in 99 games. Rodriguez missed 38 games after being placed on the disabled list in July to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
Rodriguez was seen by Dr. Peter Wehling to undergo the procedure during a Dec. 5-9in Dusseldorf, Germany. The procedure is also practiced in the United States, but after a thorough investigation the team and Rodriguez felt more comfortable with Dr Wehling.
What do you think about Alex Rodriguez getting this treatment? Will it bring him back to form in 2012 or is he just getting old?
