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How a Pro Skateboarder Used Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Years of Injury Damage

Written by Dr. David Greene, MD, PhD, MBA on June 3, 2026

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Years of broken bones, hard landings, and high-impact falls are part of the sport for any serious skateboarder; for Jayshawn Barrett — a professional skateboarder, model, influencer, and cliff jumper from Vallejo, California — those years of dedication had taken a measurable toll on his body. Chronic ankle pain, worn cartilage, and persistent soreness in both legs brought him to R3 Stem Cell’s Nashville clinic seeking a solution beyond conventional surgery.

Barrett’s case offers a real-world look at how regenerative medicine is being explored as an option for athletes dealing with cumulative joint damage and injury-related degeneration.

What Conditions Did Jayshawn Present With?

Barrett described waking up sore and going to sleep sore every day. His primary complaint was the inner ankle — the cushioning and cartilage had deteriorated to the point where daily activities like running caused significant pain and throbbing. He had also considered surgery but was exploring non-surgical alternatives.

This type of presentation — cartilage wear, chronic joint inflammation, and reduced mobility — is common among high-impact athletes and is one of the musculoskeletal conditions where stem cell therapy for knee and joint conditions and ankle pain treatments are increasingly being studied.

What Treatment Did He Receive?

Barrett’s treatment at R3 Stem Cell Nashville combined several regenerative modalities in a single session:

Systemic IV Infusion

A Myers Cocktail IV — a blend of vitamins and minerals (including magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C) — was administered alongside a systemic infusion of 90 million umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Additionally, 50 billion exosomes were included in the IV protocol.

Targeted Ankle Injection

Using ultrasound guidance, the treating physician injected a combination of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), umbilical cord stem cells with Wharton's jelly, and exosomes directly into the affected ankle joint.

This combined approach — systemic delivery for whole-body recovery plus local injection for the target area — reflects a strategy used at R3 Stem Cell clinics for patients with both systemic and localized conditions.

Understanding the Therapies Used

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Umbilical cord stem cells are allogeneic, meaning they come from screened donor tissue (not the patient’s own body). They are collected from Wharton’s jelly — the connective tissue inside the umbilical cord — after consented, full-term cesarean deliveries. Published research suggests UC-MSCs have strong anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to modulate immune responses, which may support tissue repair in joints and connective tissues.

To learn more, see understanding umbilical cord stem cell therapy.

Exosomes

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by stem cells. They carry signaling proteins, growth factors, and microRNA that communicate with surrounding cells. Research suggests they may mediate many of the regenerative effects attributed to stem cell therapy itself. For a deeper look at their role, see how exosomes play into regenerative therapy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and concentrated for growth factors. It is commonly used alongside stem cell treatments to create a more regenerative local environment at the injection site. R3 Stem Cell uses PRP therapy as a complementary agent rather than a standalone treatment for complex joint injuries.

Is This an Evidence-Based Approach?

Patients need to understand where the science currently stands:

Ankle cartilage and joint degeneration: Multiple studies have investigated MSC injections for cartilage repair in osteoarthritis and sports injuries. A 2021 systematic review published in Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that MSC injections improved pain and function, though larger randomized controlled trials are still needed.

Exosome therapy: Early clinical and preclinical data are encouraging, but exosome therapy remains an emerging field. The FDA has not yet approved exosomes as a standalone drug product; clinical use exists in research and practice settings.

Systemic IV stem cell infusions: These are used in clinical settings for conditions ranging from autoimmune disease to neurological conditions. Evidence in sports recovery specifically is limited, though systemic anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs are well-documented.

Patients considering regenerative therapy should consult with a qualified provider, review their individual anatomy and injury history, and have realistic expectations. For guidance on choosing the right clinic, see how to choose your stem cell therapy physician.

Who May Be a Candidate for Similar Treatment?

Athletes and active individuals experiencing the following may be appropriate candidates for evaluation:

Chronic ankle, knee, or hip pain not resolved with conservative care

Cartilage wear or early-to-moderate osteoarthritis

Repetitive-use injuries (tendonitis, ligament strain)

A desire to avoid or delay orthopedic surgery

R3 Stem Cell offers free consultations to help patients understand whether regenerative therapy is appropriate for their specific condition.

About R3 Stem Cell Nashville

R3 Stem Cell operates clinics across the United States and internationally, including its Nashville, Tennessee location. The clinic offers FDA-compliant biologics including umbilical cord allografts, exosomes, and PRP, administered by trained physicians. R3 also runs an IRB-approved regenerative cell therapy study and has achieved CME accreditation for its provider training programs.

For athletes and patients weighing stem cell therapy versus surgery, or those curious about the cost of stem cell therapy in Nashville, R3 Stem Cell provides detailed resources and consultations to support informed decision-making.

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Stem cell therapy for diabetes is not yet a standard of care in most countries and is generally considered investigational or complementary. Patients should review FDA regulations on cell therapies for context.

The Delivery Process Is Not Changed

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Consent alone is not sufficient. Donor mothers also undergo comprehensive medical screening, which typically includes:

What Does the Bioethics Community Say?