In this episode of the CPI Stem Cells Podcast, professional surfer Shane Dorian shares his journey from years of chronic pain caused by a lifetime of big-wave surfing to his remarkable recovery through stem cell therapy at CPI in Tijuana. Shane discusses how stem cell treatments transformed his back, knees, and shoulders, allowing him to regain his mobility and return to the active lifestyle he loves.

For professional surfer Shane Dorian, a lifetime of chasing big waves and pushing his body to the limit had caught up with him. Years of riding some of the world’s largest and most dangerous waves left his body in pain. His knees were aching, his shoulders had lost mobility, and his back was giving him serious issues. Every morning was the same—waking up stiff and going through a painful routine just to get his body moving again.

Despite his active lifestyle, Shane found himself increasingly limited by the wear and tear that comes with decades of physical strain. Surfing, which had always been his passion, was becoming more difficult. He was forced to say no to surf trips he once would have jumped at. It was more than just his profession at risk; it was his quality of life.

A Life-Changing Conversation

In early 2024, Shane was ready to make a change. After talking with long-time friend and podcaster Joe Rogan, Shane was introduced to the idea of stem cell therapy at the Cellular Performance Institute (CPI) in Tijuana. Joe had been sending people to CPI for years, including his own mother, and they had experienced dramatic improvements in their health. Intrigued and desperate for relief, Shane decided to give it a shot.
Shane’s trip to Tijuana for stem cell therapy wasn’t just an experiment—it was a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. His body had been in pain for so long that he was ready for a solution, and stem cells offered the possibility of real, long-lasting relief.
The Road to Recovery

Unlike some treatments, Shane knew stem cell therapy wasn’t a quick fix. He was told to expect gradual improvements over several months, and the team at CPI made sure he had realistic expectations. His back issues, caused by herniated discs and spinal problems, weren’t the kind of things that would heal overnight.
And sure enough, it took about four months before Shane started noticing the changes. But once they came, they were significant.

The first sign? His morning stiffness, which had been a constant for years, started to fade. It wasn’t just one random day—it became a consistent pattern. Soon, Shane was able to do simple tasks like putting on his shorts without pain. For the first time in years, he could wake up without feeling locked up by stiffness.

“I haven’t had a single episode where my back flipped out since the stem cell injections,” Shane said. “Now I wake up with pretty much zero stiffness in my back, and I’m basically warmed up straight out of bed.”

Beyond the Back: Knees, Shoulders, and More

Shane’s back wasn’t the only part of his body to benefit from stem cell therapy. He also received injections in his knees and shoulders, which had suffered from years of wear and tear. His knees, in particular, had been a source of discomfort, especially after a reconstructive surgery from a snowboarding accident.

After the treatment, Shane’s knees no longer bothered him while running or surfing. Even the inflammation and swelling that used to follow a day of activity were gone. His shoulders regained mobility and strength, allowing him to get back to the high-performance activities he loved.

As a passionate bowhunter, Shane spends days trekking through rough terrain with heavy packs on his back. These adventures had been limited in recent years due to fears of his back or knees giving out in the wilderness. But thanks to the stem cell therapy, Shane has been able to get back into the backcountry with confidence, knowing his body is capable of handling the strain again.

“I’m really excited about the change,” Shane said. “I can train harder, surf more, and my back is much more resilient to the things I love to do.”

The Ripple Effect of Health Improvements

Stem cell therapy has a way of doing more than just healing the immediate problem. As Shane’s body began to heal, he found himself making other positive changes. He quit drinking for six months, partially as a way to optimize his recovery and give the stem cells the best chance to work. This lifestyle shift gave him newfound clarity and energy, which only enhanced the benefits of the treatment.

“The stem cells were directly helping my back and joints, but it also encouraged me to start taking better care of myself overall,” Shane said. “Sleeping better, eating better, and just living healthier—all of it contributed to my recovery.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shane

Now six months into his stem cell journey, Shane is seeing the benefits every day. He hasn’t had any major back flare-ups, and he’s back to doing the things he loves, whether it’s surfing, bowhunting, or coaching. His newfound mobility has even allowed him to take on new challenges, such as working with Team USA’s surfing athletes for the Olympics.

“I’m almost 52, and I’m able to push myself in the water again. It’s exciting to be able to surf heavy waves with good timing, speed, and agility,” Shane said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to surf at this level, and it feels amazing.”

Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?

Shane’s story is just one example of the life-changing results that stem cell therapy can offer. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with chronic pain, a weekend warrior struggling with injuries, or someone who just wants to regain your quality of life, stem cell therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

At CPI, we’ve seen countless patients experience relief from joint pain, back issues, and more. Our treatments help regenerate damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and give people their lives back—just like Shane.

If you’re ready to explore what stem cell therapy can do for you, schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors today. Visit CPI Stem Cells or call +1 (855) 227-1411 to learn more..