ANAHEIM – Andrew Heaney can’t do much physically while he waits for the platelet-rich plasma injection to do its thing in his arm.

So he’s using his mind instead.

Heaney, who is trying to treat his sore elbow without surgery, said he’s started meditating in an effort to help the healing process.

“Right now I’m trying to will my body to heal itself,” Heaney said Thursday. “The mind is a powerful thing.”

Heaney said he’s always practiced visualization to help train his body to perform physical activities, like pitching. But this is something new.

Heaney said he got the idea from his father, who is a therapist. Every other day he lays on a table in the trainers’ room, throws a towel over his face, and listens to an audio book that runs him through different mental exercises.

“It sounds like a crock, but it can’t hurt,” Heaney said. “Worst case scenario, I get a little 15-minute nap.”

Heaney said it’s been a good exercise for him, because he’s not normally the most optimistic person.

“I’m a realist,” he said. “And a pessimist at time. For me, it’s changing my outlook and philosophy.”

Heaney, officially diagnosed with a strained flexor muscle, had a PRP injection on May 2 because his arm wasn’t responding to treatment.

General Manager Billy Eppler subsequently acknowledged that the range of medical opinions the Angels received on Heaney included some that determined he had some damage to his ulnar collateral ligament.

If the PRP injection and other conservative methods don’t work, Heaney could need Tommy John surgery.

Heaney said he’s been told that he’ll have a good idea of whether the injection worked when he’s examined in mid June. Presumably, he’ll then have a much better idea whether he’s going to need surgery.

For now, he can’t do much but cardio and leg workouts, and think good thoughts.

“I’m 24,” he said. “I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I’m healthy. I work out. Those are all positive factors. Beyond that, it’s a little out of my control.”