Keep Heliskiing with Regenerative Knee Therapy using Stem Cells

Regenexx – How to Keep Heliskiing with Regenerative Knee Therapy using Stem Cells

PRP vs Synvisc

Like many heliskiers, we’re always looking out for the best therapy for knees that have seen a few too many bumps, needles or scalpels.   I am not a doctor, although I heliski with them.  So, please do not consider any of the following to be medical advice. 

Dr. Chris Centeno is pioneering the use of regenerative treatment of joints using stem cells.  The innovative Regenexx(TM) procedures are performed at The Centeno-Schultz Clinic in Broomfield, CO (north of Denver) and in Grand Cayman, as well as a network of clinics across the U.S.   Our interview follows, although some answers are paraphrased, sorry Doc.

Regenerative Knee therapy

It sounds like Luke Skywalker growing a new hand in Star Wars.  Can you give us a brief description of it, please?

The Regenexx SD, or “same day” procedure, uses your own stem cells to regenerate lost tissue (cartilage, disc, bone, meniscus, tendon/ligament). The procedure consists of a bone marrow draw from your hip (which is totally, completely numb).   We then isolate your stem cells from that marrow sample, and do anywhere from 1-3 injections back into the joint, depending on the procedure.

heli-ski knee therapy, heliski knees treatment

 

 

 

What can you treat with my stem cells?

Our Regenexx procedures can be applied to fractures that have failed to heal, joint cartilage problems, partial tears of tendons, muscles, or ligaments, chronic bursitis, avascular necrosis of the bone, and lumbar disc bulges. We are an orthopedics-based clinic, and we do not treat any other problems outside of bone, tendon, muscle, joint, or ligament issues.

 

What knee maladies can you treat with it?

The Regenexx knee treatments are for people suffering from knee pain due to common injuries or other degenerative problems.

If you have encountered an injury to the knee’s meniscus, ACL or MCL, cartilage or have chronic knee pain due to a past injury or osteoarthritis (also known as “degenerative joint disease” or “wear and tear arthritis of the knee”), you may be a good candidate for the Regenexx procedure.

heli-skiing knee, helicopter skiing knee pain

Knee Pain (I couldn’t resist an image)

 

Traditional options for patients suffering from these issues include arthroscopic knee surgery to repair ligament tears, or total knee joint replacement. With both surgeries, months of rehab are required, and the patient must be aware of and prepared to take on the risks of other possible side effects including infection.

 

In general, is Regenexx SD better for acute or chronic conditions? 

Typically, Regenexx SD is best suited for sub-acute and chronic injuries.  Many of our patients have already had one or two surgeries and may have been dealing with their injury for more than 15 years.

 

How long does it take to see results?  

Most of our patients notice improvement in as little as six weeks. By 12 weeks, most can return to their normal, active lifestyles.

 

How long before the patient can resume exercise after Regenexx SD?

Patients may resume low impact exercise, such as cardio, immediately following the procedure. A full return to their “normal” work-out routine usually occurs around week 12.  So, unlike surgery, there is no weakening of the muscles prior to recovery.  In 12 weeks, patients can resume all activity (even bumps!).

 

How long do the effects of the procedure last?  

We have many patients that had their procedures done 7 years ago and counting.  Some patients require a second or third treatment a year, two years, three years after their original procedure.   However, most are good to go with one treatment.

 

How many knees have you done? 

A lot! We’ve performed the Regenexx stem cell procedures on more than 1,000 knees.

 

Who is your typical patient?

The same people that use HELISKI.com to find the best helicopter skiing trips are our patients.  (Thanks, Doc.)   Our patients tend to be active individuals in their mid-30s to mid-60s with one or two prior knee surgeries.  They are usually athletes who want to maintain or return to that active lifestyle.  Often they have been advised to get a knee replacement or another surgery; and they are looking for alternatives.

 

What’s the status of FDA approval?

For same day (Regenexx SD), it’s exempt, and therefore not regulated.  For cultured procedures (Regenexx C), it is not approved in the U.S, so we have a clinic in the Caymans.

Unfortunately there is no CPT code for the Regenexx procedures. We are the only providers in the U.S. who do this, and typically the American Medical Association needs tens of thousands of doctors performing the procedure before creating a CPT code.

 

What’s the difference? (Who gets a trip to the Caymans?)

Regenexx C, our cultured procedure, takes your own stem cells and then essentially supercharges them in a lab over several weeks (grows them to much greater numbers) which allows for greater improvement to the joint or ligament.  It’s used for severely arthritic knees and other joints and is performed in our clinic on Grand Cayman.

 

 

What does Regenexx cost?

Approximately $4K for most procedures done the same-day and much more for cultured procedures.

 

Does insurance cover the procedures?

No, but we’re finding that the costs are in line with the high deductibles for surgery, so our pricing is very competitive.  Editor’s note: It costs less than a week of helicopter skiing.

 

Does Regenexx also work for chondromalacia petal, ACLs, and meniscus tears? 

Yes on all counts. We’re based in Colorado and because of our proximity to Summit/Eagle County and the like, we have treated a lot of skiers. Regenexx can repair partial tears and reconstruct ACLs and, in the case of meniscus tears, Regenexx may be more effective than removing the torn pieces, which also removes the cushioning in the knee.

 

 

I have been getting a shot of Synvisc every fall.  It helps for about 6 months.  Am I a good candidate for Regennex? 

Yes.  If you respond to any vicso supplementation, it’s a good sign.

Is this the same as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?  

No.  PRP is concentrating platelets in the blood, not stem cell therapy.  Regenexx offers a more detailed discussion on the differences between PRP and stem cell therapy.  In addition, while PRP is one component of the therapy, we use a very different “Super Platelet Mix’ which we believe helps to produce many more stem cells.

 

What’s your opinion of BMP enzymes and how it compares to Regenexx?   Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are used to promote spinal fusion, but its off-label for knees.  It’s also extremely expensive.

 

How about steroid injections?  Am I limited to three shots per joint of Regenexx in my lifetime?

One word of caution about any steroid injection therapy.  Steroids can degrade cartilage.  There is also evidence that anesthetic shots can kill cartilage.   But now it looks like anesthesia and steroids together, which is typical, have a synergistic effect. Animal studies are showing a multiplicative effect…in a bad way.

There is no limit to the number of Regenexx injections someone can receive over a lifetime

Any negative side effects?

This is a needle-based procedure so the risk of infection is significantly less than the risk when having surgery. Also, the procedure works best on healthy, fit individuals so as the old saying goes, “results may vary.” We require all of our Regenexx patients to join our registry in regards to timelines, follow ups, surveys, etc. so we can track any side-effects over the long term.

 

Is there anything else you would like to tell heliskiers?

We’d like them to know that we have a network of providers around the country, so people don’t have to come to Colorado   For example, there is a new clinic in Mill Valley, CA. However, Colorado is a nice place to visit!

Thanks, Doctor Centeno!

tj

Rossignol Gear Interview – HELISKI.com

Rossignol Skis Interview with HELISKI.com

The heliski gear interview series contnued when we got together with Nick Nick Castagnoli of Rossignol.  We talked about the Rossi powder gear.

 

The S7 has been very popular.  Which heliski operators offer them to clients?

rossignol heliski, heli-skiing rossignol
Rossi S7

Snowwater Heli Ski, Nelson, BC

Ruby Mtn Heli Ski, Nevada

High Mtn Heli, Jackson Hole, WY

heli-skiing canada, helicopter skiing bc

 

 

What about the design has made it so popular in powder?

 

Rossignol’s S-Series Freeride line (including the S7, S7 W, Super 7, Squad 7) all feature our revolutionary and proprietary rocker design called, Powder Turn Rocker.

Powder Turn Rocker combines a wider, high-rocker tip with a high-rocker pin-shaped tail and traditional camber underfoot. This design puts skiers in an ideal position when skiing in deep snow. By allowing the ski tips to stay effortlessly afloat as the pintail drops into softer snow, skiers get fatigue-free maneuverability, easier steering, effortless floatation and instant speed control.

The other award-winning trait of S-Series skis is the incredible all-mountain versatility they deliver. The traditional camber underfoot combined with a Centered Sidecut gives skiers the best of both worlds: effortless floatation and maneuverability in the deep and all-mountain versatility when conditions aren’t as ideal.

 

 

 

 

rossignol helicopter skiing, heliskiing rossi
Rossi Super 7

What’s different about the Super 7?

 

The S7 uses no metal laminates, while the Super 7 has two-layers of titanal to provide a damper feel, and is available in a 188cm and 195cm only. While anyone from an intermediate to an expert level skier can feel at home on the original S7, the Super 7 is more ideally suited for heavier and/or more aggressive freeskiers.

 

 

 

 

heli-skis, squad 7 heli-ski
Squad 7

 

Tell us about the new Squad 7 and how it compares.  [Sweet graphics!]

 

The Squad 7 is a big-mountain pow-slayer built for the hardest-chargers on the hill. It’s wider underfoot and features a much longer turn radius than the S7 and Super 7, making it a little less versatile and more ideally suited for skiers focused on pinning it through the deepest conditions.

 

 

 

 

What are the best boots for a 50-something heliskier?

 

That’s not quite as simple. Ski boots are not only what drive all skier movement and energy to the ski, but a good, comfortable fit ensures you’ll perform better and stay out longer; and that’s a pretty personal/subjective thing. Depending on the skier’s foot shape/width, weight, ability, ankle flexion, etc, etc; all of these things will help determine the right boot for that person. With all that said, Rossignol is the only brand that builds its ski boots in 4 different lasts (97mm, 100mm, 102mm and 104mm) to help ensure that skiers who need a stiffer flex, but have a wider foot, don’t have to compromise comfort for performance and vice versa. No matter foot shape or ability, Rossignol has built a boot for you. For help getting fitted and choosing the right boot for your foot, locate the nearest Rossignol dealer at www.rossignol.com

 

Krypto-Magtek

 

heli-boarding canada, bc heliboarding
Experience Magtek

The Experience MagTek is Xavier De Le Rue’s board of choice, and is built to push to boundaries of big-mountain riding. For most riders though, I’d recommend the Krypto MagTek. It’s a toned down version of the Experience, built with the same DNA, but more accessible. The Krypto MagTek won Outside Magazine’s 2012 Gear of the Year!

 

RoosterTV has a great video of extreme boarding.

Euro Lines – Xavier de Le Rue

 

Experience Magtek

 

Got any heliboard or heliski videos to share?

 

Not heliskiing, but check out the S-Series product video

 

What’s the best Rossi shell for the deep stuff?

 

The Phantom STR jacket and Phantom Bib Pant. Both feature 20K waterproofing to keep you dry, and the jacket has an integrated powder skirt and lycra cuffs to keep the snow out.

 

 

Is there anything else you would like heliskiers to know about Rossignol Skis?

 

Thanks, please LIKE us on Facebook!

 

 

coast range heli-skiing, heliski coast range

Coast Range Operator Profile: Skeena Heliskiing. Don’t go postal, go coastal

Coast Range Operator Profile: Skeena Heliskiing. Don’t go postal, go coastal

The evolution of heli-skiing continues.  Smaller operators are offering alternatives to Canadian Mountain Holidays and  Wiegele Heli-Skiing.  This series will give a brief summary of the operators in the Coast Range of British Columbia Canada.

coast range heli-skiing, heliski coast range

The Coast Range of British Columbia is home to some of the heliski industry innovators:  Bella Coola Heliskiing, Northern Escape Heliskiing, TLH Heliskiing, Last Frontier Heliskiing and Skeena Heliskiing.  Coastal weather patterns provide copious amounts of powder, and travel is usually MUCH easier than the more famous operators to the East.   How do they compete with the big boys and deal with the huge amounts of snowfall?

Glad you asked.

Each of these BC Coast Range heli-ski destination operators have a strategy, or two, to differentiate their offerings.
Today, we take a closer look at Skeena Heliskiing.

skeena heli-skiing, helicopter skiing bc canada

Skeena Heliskiing is a boutique operator, with one of my favorite lodges,  catering to fast, fit skiers (read Europeans).  Jake is a tremendous host, even to an American like me.   But Skeena books up well in advance.  Think 2014.  Jake skies in just two groups of 5, so they really turn the laps!

skeena heli-skiing, heli-ski skeena mountains

Skeena boasts one of the best heliskiing lodges in the business.  It is a prototypical BC log lodge.  The dining/living space has an amazing cathedral ceiling.  Each guest has a huge bedroom.  Great place, better skiing.

skeena heliski lodge, helicopter skiing skeena
Skeena Lodge is Awesome

heliski lodge interior, skeena heliskiing

skeena heliski lodge day, BC heli-skiing lodge

heliski lodge rooms, skeena heli-ski rooms

Travel to Skeena Heliskiing by flying Vancouver to Smithers.  just three hours from Vancouver to their incredible lodge.

Each of these operators has figured out a way to offer something unique and very appealing to help differentiate their offering.  Email or call and we will help you find available trips with easy travel and plenty of deep snow.  866-HELISKI or Skype HELISKI.com

Best Regards,
tj
Tom Jackson

CPO (Chief Powder Officer)
HELISKI.com
HeliskiingReview.com
Heliboard.com
WhistlerHeliski.com
866-HELISKI
(866-435-4754)

Expert Advice – Knowledge is Powder

Don’t Go Postal, Go Coastal: Northern Escape Heli-Skiing says It’s Deeper Up Here

heli-skiing powder, northern escape heli-skiing bc canada
THAT is deep

The evolution of heliskiing continues.  Smaller operators are offering alternatives to CMH and Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing.  This series will give a brief summary of the operators in the Coast Range of British Columbia Canada.

The Coast Range of British Columbia is home to some of the heliski industry innovators including Northern Escape Heliskiing..  Coastal weather patterns provide copious amounts of powder, and travel is usually MUCH easier than the more famous operators to the East.   How do they compete with the big boys and deal with the huge amounts of snowfall?

Glad you asked.

Each of these BC coast range heli-skis destination operators have a strategy, or two, to differentiate their offerings.  Today, we take a closer look at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing

Northern Escape says, “It’s Deeper Up Here”, which is true.  So to make sure you get the goods, they added a catskiing backup in 2011.   NEH also has a unique unlimited vertical option, including more vertical and a very generous credit if you do not make the minimum.  Great tree skiing, high alpine and steep.

I have been there a few times.   NEH has some great advantages.   I can leave out of SFO at lunchtime, and be starting my bar tab at 8PM.

british columbia heliskiing, heli-skiing bc canada

 

Don’t sweat the weather, cat backup means fresh tracks every day.  This is especially important if you are on a 3 or 4-day trip.  The lodge, staff, food, and skiing are all great.

GM John has been in the heliski business for over 20 years, including guiding for some of the major players.  He summarizes, “We stand out by offering huge terrain, easy access, Unlimited Vertical Option and snowcat backup.”

helicopter skiing bc canada, british columbia heliski

 

Call or email me or Jody (866-619-3184) to check availability for a trip to Northern Escape Heli-Skiing.  Tell her TJ sent you.

Best Regards,
tj
Tom Jackson

CPO (Chief Powder Officer)
HELISKI.com
HeliskiingReview.com
Heliboard.com
WhistlerHeliski.com
866-HELISKI
(866-435-4754)

Expert Advice – Knowledge is Powder