Kobe Bryant is not a doctor, but he decided he knows enough that he can play one for struggling Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez.

Upon Bryant's advice, A-Rod went to Germany for an experimental treatment called Orthokine on his right knee, the New York Post reported.

The Post reports Rodriguez had blood taken out of his arm and placed in a specially designed spin machine before being placed back into his body.

Kobe had similar procedures done on his right knee last summer and his left ankle this past October. The Lakers star is apparently a huge believer in the procedure, having given A-Rod his support to go-ahead with it. Bryant has played in the first three games of the NBA season, just a few weeks after undergoing the surgery on his ankle.

The Los Angeles Times said the treatment is perceived as either an emerging solution to knee problems or a financial gamble on unproven science.

Results from the procedure are said to include reduced pain, increased function and mobility felt for up to two years. Moreover, studies have shown positive results for 40 percent of patients after four years, as outlined by TotalHealth.co.uk.

Dr. Jonathan Glashow, the co-chief of sports medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells the Post that doctors "don't have a lot of scientific knowledge behind exactly what's happening (in the procedure)"

A-Rod hit just .191 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI over 68 at-bats after having surgery last July on a torn meniscus in his right knee. Rodriguez followed those lousy numbers with an even more pathetic showing in the Bronx Bombers' loss to the Tigers in the ALDS, hitting .111 with no home runs and 3 RBI.

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Those aren't the kind of numbers that justify a $33 million annual salary. Rodriguez has made the most money ($296 million) of any Major League Baseball player.

Other athletes who have reportedly had the procedure done include Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

The Post reports A-Rod has already started working out again and is expected to be ready in February for the start of Yankees spring training in Florida.

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