Werth Tries It All to Help His Wrist

DENVER — Some might call it new age, touchy-feely hokum. Jayson Werth calls it an integral part of the healing process.

Werth returned Friday from a visit to homeopathic practitioners in Atlanta, where he received treatment for his wrist injury that included acupuncture, massage and time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

The Dodger left fielder was hit by a pitch March 2 and fractured a bone. There also was soft tissue damage and Dodger physicians revised their initial estimate of a three-week recovery period, saying the injury would take six to eight weeks to heal.

“That’s how long it is taking,” Werth said.

He hit off a tee for the first time in weeks and felt good. Before he is activated from the disabled list, however, he will play several minor league games on a rehab assignment.

Meanwhile, Werth decided to visit the same group of homeopathic practitioners who treated his wrist injury in 2003.

“It is a place of healing,” Werth said. “Anything out of the ordinary, that’s what they do. There is definitely something to homeopathy. It’s not mainstream, but there are definite benefits.”

The hyperbaric chamber, he said, “speeds up the healing process,” by helping break down scar tissue.

Werth also had an unusual flexibility treatment called meridian stretching. Founded by Bob Cooley, the program is described on its website as combining “biomechanics, structural kinesiology, Hatha yoga, traditional Chinese medicine and a genetically based personality system.”

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Elmer Dessens appears headed for the disabled list, although a decision won’t be made until today. The right-handed pitcher was treated by Dr. Frank Jobe on Friday and diagnosed with a spur in the back of his shoulder.

Dessens suffered the injury during his start Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers when he was making his first appearance in 11 days.

Jobe recommended that Dessens rest the shoulder. Brad Penny will come off the disabled list to make his first start of the season Sunday unless it is too cold, so it stands to reason Dessens would go on the 15-day disabled list.

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Left-hander Wilson Alvarez could go from pitching in intrasquad games at Vero Beach, Fla., to the Dodger bullpen without making a minor league rehab appearance, Manager Jim Tracy said.... Top Dodger prospects Joel Guzman and James Loney combined to go nine for 10 at Jacksonville on Thursday.