After a lifetime of doing the most extreme stunts on the planet — breaking barriers, breaking world records, and yes, breaking plenty of bones — Nitro Circus icon and stuntwoman Jolene Van Vugt finally reached a point where her body needed more than rest, rehab, or surgery.
Her knees, ankle, and spine had taken years of high-impact punishment. Years of hard landings, motorcycle crashes, and world-class stunts left Jolene battling chronic pain and limited mobility. Doctors began recommending ankle fusion or ankle replacement — options no lifelong athlete wants to face.
And then everything changed.
In January 2025, Jolene made her first trip to CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana, and today she’s doing better than she has in years.
This is her story.
“Jumping motorcycles into the Grand Canyon was easier than this.”
Jolene laughs when she says it — but she’s not kidding.
“The most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my entire life wasn’t a stunt — it was hearing I might need ankle fusion or replacement.”
For someone who has:
- Jumped motorcycles into the Grand Canyon
- Base jumped off bikes
- Performed world-first stunts for Nitro Circus
- Spent a lifetime pushing the limits of human performance
…the idea of permanently losing mobility was devastating.
Fusion was not an option. Replacement felt like an end to the career and lifestyle she loved.
That’s when she turned to CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana.
The Injuries: Meniscus Tears, PCL Damage, Chronic Pain, and Joint Breakdown
By the time Jolene arrived at CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana, she had:
- A Grade II meniscus tear
- 50% PCL tear
- A deteriorating ankle (fusion was being pushed hard)
- Chronic back pain
- Daily stiffness and limited movement
- Years of accumulated stunt-related damage
Like many athletes, she had gotten used to “managing” pain — pushing through, modifying movements, and ignoring symptoms.
But deep down, she knew she needed a different approach.
“I spent so long learning to live inside a bracket of pain. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I started feeling better.”
How Jolene Found CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana
Her introduction to CPI came through long-time friend and BMX legend Mike “Rooftop” Escamilla, who had visited CPI himself for treatment and saw major improvements.
Jolene later met CPI Co-Founder Scott Nelson at “The Pirate House” during a Nitro Circus get-together — surrounded by Travis Pastrana, Andy Bell, and other action sports legends.
That conversation became her turning point.
“Most conversations I’ve had since coming here in January have been about stem cells.”
The Treatment: Working Joint-by-Joint to Give Her Body a Second Life
During her first visit to CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana, Jolene received a comprehensive treatment designed to target:
- Knee damage
- PCL tears
- Meniscus issues
- Spinal inflammation
- Ankle degeneration
- Chronic joint pain
Stem cells were injected directly into injured structures, with additional IV stem cells to support whole-body healing and recovery.
Her goal wasn’t just pain relief — it was getting her life back.
The Results: “I Feel Amazing.”
Within weeks, Jolene realized something was changing:
✔ PCL regeneration — real, measurable improvement
“My PCL is almost fully grown back.”
✔ Significantly less pain and inflammation
“In the past couple weeks, I’ve felt a lot lighter.”
✔ Better movement patterns
Even her boyfriend noticed:
“You’re moving differently.”
✔ Stronger, more stable back
“My back is 100%. I can do anything.”
✔ Deadlifting again — something she couldn’t do before
“I started deadlifting again.”
✔ A new mindset: rebuilding instead of breaking down
“I used to just break myself. Now I’m spending time and energy putting myself back together.”
Jolene describes her experience not in vague terms — but in clear, specific improvements she can feel every day.
From Stuntwoman Survival… to True Longevity
A stunt career means constant injuries, but for Jolene, this is about far more than going back to performing.
It’s about:
- Moving without constant pain
- Feeling strong again
- Rebuilding her joints
- Extending the life of her body
- Being able to thrive — not just survive — as she ages
“I want to do the things I love for as long as I possibly can.”
Stem cell therapy at CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana gave her the chance to do exactly that.
The CPI Difference: A Clinic Built for Real Outcomes
Jolene’s results are not an accident — they’re the product of:
✔ Multi-joint and spine protocols
✔ A team experienced with high-level athletes
✔ Data-driven progress tracking
✔ A medical environment focused on outcomes
✔ A supportive patient experience (including CPI’s famous weekly group dinners)
CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana is trusted by:
- Pro surfers
- Nitro Circus athletes
- UFC fighters
- NFL players
- Motocross riders
- Stunt performers
- Everyday patients wanting their quality of life back
It’s one of the most recognized regenerative therapy centers globally — and Jolene is now part of that growing family.
Are You Ready to See What Stem Cells Can Do for You?
If you relate to Jolene’s story — chronic pain, old injuries, joint breakdown, or being told your “only option” is surgery — you may have more choices than you realize.
👉 Learn more about CPI Stem Cells In Tijuana
and see whether regenerative therapy is right for you or your loved one.
Your body has carried you this far.
Now it might be time to give it the help it deserves.