Ep6: Dr. Yi Song: Advanced Restoration for Athletes

Revolutionizing Athlete Recovery: Dr. Yi Song on the Science of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Thirteen years in the Major Leagues. Seventeen surgeries. A body battered by the relentless grind of professional sports. For Eduardo Perez, the future looked like a series of operations and chronic inflammation. A life defined by limitations. Not just a decline. A depletion.

Conventional medicine offered a familiar path. Scopes. Scars. Steroids. Dr. Yi Song offers a different trajectory. By utilizing high-dose umbilical cord stem cells, she targets the root of the problem. Not just a temporary fix. A biological restoration. This is the shift from managing pain to rebuilding tissue.

The Heavy Cost of Professional Longevity

Pro sports leave a mark. Joints undergo years of structural abuse. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, and knee surgeries often become a routine. For many retired athletes, the 40s and 50s are spent wondering if they will ever walk without a limp. The trauma is cumulative. The traditional surgical approach often leads to more scar tissue. A cycle of intervention and degradation.

“I’ve had 17 surgeries already. I’m already tired of going under the knife again and again and again.”

The Limitation of Aging Autologous Cells

Autologous stem cell therapy uses a patient’s own cells. However, biology has a clock. A 48-year-old patient has 48-year-old cells. These cells are often tired. They die off earlier. They lack the vigorous regenerative capacity needed for significant repair. Dr. Yi Song identifies this as a primary hurdle in domestic treatments. The quality of the source dictates the quality of the outcome.

“Think about your body at 48. And think about an umbilical cord stem cell which is zero. Which is zero age and it is ready to work.”

The Potency of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Newborn cells are different. They are ready to take orders. They function like a colony of workers dedicated to building and fixing. These umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) possess a higher proliferative potential. They reproduce rapidly. They clear out cellular debris. Dr. Yi Song utilizes these “zero-age” cells to provide a more robust healing signal to damaged tissues.

“They’re ready to go in and start reproducing and start building and start making everything around your body stronger.”

Avoiding the Exploratory Surgery Trap

When a previous surgery fails to “take,” surgeons often suggest going back in. An exploratory procedure. More cutting. Dr. Yi Song provides an alternative. By injecting umbilical cord stem cells directly into a problematic joint, like a failing knee, patients can often bypass the operating room. The goal is to stabilize the joint through biological reinforcement rather than mechanical removal.

“Fortunately, and I knock on wood, up to now, that left knee has been fabulous and we’re going on three years with that left knee.”

Systemic Restoration via High-Dose IV Therapy

Recovery is not always local. Sometimes the whole system needs a reset. High-dose IV applications of 100 million stem cells address systemic inflammation. This approach helps the entire body recover from chronic stress. Patients report waking up without the need for the usual morning stretches. They feel a sense of immediate readiness. A whole-body optimization.

“I woke up yesterday and today I didn’t even think about it. I didn’t have to even stretch. I just woke up and went.”

Access to Therapeutic Dosing in Colombia

Efficacy requires specific numbers. In many regions, regulatory hurdles limit the concentration of cells available for treatment. Dr. Yi Song’s practice in Colombia allows for access to therapeutic dosing. Placing 50 million cells directly into a joint or 100 million into the bloodstream. This is not about evasion. This is about ensuring the biological dose is sufficient to trigger actual healing.

“What goes direct into that joint in this case my ankle—the 50 million—there’s nothing else but just my plasma and the stem cells.”

Availability as the Ultimate Athletic Asset

The best ability is availability. For active players, missing time is the greatest risk. Conventional treatments like steroid shots offer quick relief but can damage tissue over time. Dr. Yi Song advocates for a maintenance-based approach. Using the off-season to clear inflammation. Preparing the body for the next 162-game grind. A strategy for prolonged performance.

“Availability to play every day is your biggest asset… this allows you to be available.”

Healing Beyond Professional Athletes

The science applies to everyone. Not just those on the field. Aging brings aches and chronic sores. Inflammation does not discriminate by profession. Dr. Yi Song applies these same advanced medicine protocols to non-athletes, from chronic wound care to joint replacement alternatives. It is a matter of keeping the human frame strong. A commitment to quality of life at any age.

“You don’t have to be an athlete to have the umbilical cord stem cells … we’ve seen a lot of people that have aches and pains.”

📄Read the Full Episode Transcript

0:00 Professional Career Overview

Eduardo Pérez: I played professionally and was blessed to play 13 years in the major leagues. What is my life going to be like in my 40s? What is my life going to be like in my 50s? I have had 17 surgeries already. I am already tired of going under the knife again and again. To be honest with you, I was skeptical because I thought I would have to need another surgery. I think sometimes we are afraid of change.

0:24 Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy

Dr. Yi Song: We are happy to have Eduardo Pérez here today to talk about stem cell therapy for athletes, for professional players, or anything beyond everything.

Eduardo Pérez: Thank you for having me, Doctor. I am really happy to be here with you.

0:46 Personal Stem Cell History

Dr. Yi Song: Do you want to talk a little bit about yourself and how you got into stem cells? I know even before I knew you, you already had stem cells at some point.

Eduardo Pérez: Yes. I played major league baseball. I played a lot of sports when I was growing up, but I ended up playing collegiate at Florida State and from there played professionally for 13 years in the major leagues.

Once that career was over and once a lot of the surgeries that I had had through those years—just abuse on the body, knee surgeries, elbows, Achilles tears—I had pretty much every joint from wrist to elbows to shoulders, both shoulders done.

1:40 First Stem Cell Experience

Eduardo Pérez: I was wondering what my life was going to be like in my 40s and 50s. The first time I had an experience with a stem cell was in Miami. It was done because my shoulders were almost like frozen shoulders; I could not raise them over my head. They tapped into my body, took my own stem cells, and put them right back into my body. Fortunately for me, it worked. I haven’t had any issues since. The MRIs showed I had tears in them, but after that, I have not had any issues with my shoulders. I have been able to throw when I need to throw and do my workouts.

2:45 Transition to Umbilical Cord Cells

Eduardo Pérez: Fast forward, I meet you and this is a whole different ballgame. I had had knee surgery on my left knee and it didn’t really take well. The doctor was thinking we might have to go back in there to do an exploratory to see what was going on. When I met you, we ended up doing the umbilical cord stem cell treatment. To be honest with you, I was skeptical because I thought I would need another surgery. I am an expert in surgeries, having had so many. Fortunately, that left knee has been fabulous and we are going on three years with it.

3:30 Treating the Ankle Injury

Eduardo Pérez: My left ankle started acting up about nine or ten months ago. I twisted it getting out of the car and thought it would go away because it was just a little strain. That strain made it hard for me to walk on the beach or turn quickly. It was very tender and sore. I found myself taking a lot of anti-inflammatories and wondered what to do next. We then decided to take a trip to Medellín. It popped into my mind that Dr. Yi was there. We went to see you at your clinic, which is unbelievable by the way.

You ended up not only treating me for the ankle—which, full disclaimer, hurt a lot at that moment—but you hit it right on the point. You put 50 million stem cells into that ankle. The first day was very sore, but we are on day three or four right now and it is a different sore than what I had before. I know they are working. I do the red light treatment like you tell me to do and I have been patient. I am moving my ankle as much as I can and doing movements I couldn’t do before. Little by little it is working.

5:32 IV Stem Cell Treatment

Eduardo Pérez: I was also able to get 100 million stem cells through the IV. I woke up yesterday and today and didn’t even think about it. I didn’t even have to stretch. I just woke up and went. That is going to get better and better as the days go by.

Dr. Yi Song: So you feel the effect of the IV even though you didn’t originally go in for it?

Eduardo Pérez: I didn’t go in for the IV, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I took advantage of what you offered and for that, I am grateful.

6:23 Merva’s Recovery and Energy

Dr. Yi Song: How did your wife Merva feel after the IV? Did she feel anything immediately?

Eduardo Pérez: She got up this morning—we are recording this on a Saturday—and she said, “I am going to go work out.” I asked what she was doing since she never works out on Saturday. She said she just wanted to go. Each person has their own journey. She works out hard Monday through Friday and usually takes Saturdays off, but she went straight for her cardio and was ready to go. She needs to keep strong. She is three years younger than I am and she wants to stay in optimal condition.

8:40 The Value of Education

Eduardo Pérez: She does her research and asks a lot of questions. As soon as she walked into the clinic, things changed for her and she felt comfortable with you and your staff. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but we have done our research. We have gone online and read. The biggest tool one can have is education. Educating oneself with what is going on with advanced medicine just makes sense. For my body, it has worked. Sometimes we are afraid of change, but this is real.

10:01 Managing Inflammation and Performance

Eduardo Pérez: Being in the broadcasting business and seeing athletes go at max effort, I see their bodies sometimes not being able to hold up. I am 56 years old with 17 surgeries. I feel that if I had been able to do this therapy during the off-season, the inflammation would go. The biggest cause of pain is inflammation. You want to be on the field for your family, your fans, and your city. Your time as an athlete is limited. It makes sense for any athlete in any sport to look into this to help reproduce cells and take that inflammation out. For me, umbilical cord stem cell therapy is a no-brainer. I wish I was 26 because I would be visiting you every year.

11:22 Skepticism and Cell Aging

Dr. Yi Song: When you first started with your shoulder, were you skeptical? Did your orthopedic doctor say it was not proven or suggest steroids instead?

Eduardo Pérez: No. My orthopedic doctor saw the MRI and told me I had a tear. They suggested PRP because it is not regulated in the United States the same way. They said we could do stem cell therapy using my own cells. That was in 2017 when I was 48 years old. My cells were 48 years old. Think about an umbilical cord stem cell which is zero age and ready to work. It is like a colony of worker ants ready to fix and build. They are ready to start reproducing and making everything stronger. My 48-year-old stem cells were a little tired and die off early, but they were good enough for my shoulder. Now we strive for what is better.

13:57 Regulations and Professional Opinions

Eduardo Pérez: In the United States, certain things are not allowed or FDA approved. I don’t want to get into the politics of big pharma, but going to your clinic was a no-brainer. My doctor understood it; every doctor who does PRP understands the concept. It is just restricted here.

Dr. Yi Song: Many people consider stem cells but their doctors tell them it is not proven or may cause cancer.

Eduardo Pérez: Of course they are going to tell you that. Again, do your research. That is one opinion, but it doesn’t mean it is the right one. Diversify your knowledge just like you diversify a portfolio. The power is being able to make your own decisions. In my sport, people always go for a second opinion.

16:19 Seeking Second Opinions

Eduardo Pérez: I remember playing in Japan and my knee was killing me. One doctor said it was the patella, which is a tough surgery. I got a second opinion and that doctor said the patella was intact and performed a different surgery. I was back on the field five months later. Second opinions are important. If you hear about another option, don’t you want to explore it? My parents, who are 82 now, were the ones who recommended stem cell therapy to me years ago. If they were open-minded, I had to be too.

18:15 Tony Perez’s Baseball Legacy

Eduardo Pérez: My father is Tony Perez. He played in the major leagues for 23 years and is in the Hall of Fame. He never went on the disabled list. He would play hurt and they would drain liquid out of his knee the entire time. He had knee surgery after he retired. That generation sacrificed their bodies. He has had a knee replacement since then, but he is very open to modern medicine. He was the one who told me I had to do the stem cells. You have to give your body a chance to heal.

21:06 Family History and Aging

Dr. Yi Song: Does your father have other joint issues besides the knees?

Eduardo Pérez: Believe it or not, no. It was just that one knee. I think you don’t have to be an athlete to have umbilical cord stem cell therapy. We see people with aches, pains, and inflammation. The older you get, the slower you get. You have to keep your muscles and tissues strong. My mother, who was never an athlete, has had her hip and both knees replaced. She continues to have issues with sores on her leg, and we have discussed how stem cell therapy could help there too, even topically.

22:32 Professional Athletes and Compliance

Dr. Yi Song: Active athletes are often concerned about unproven treatments affecting drug testing or performance.

Eduardo Pérez: Athletes need to understand what they are putting into their bodies. Major League Baseball provides a list of banned substances. If they have doubts, they call their trainers. It comes down to trusting the doctor. It is important to know the process. In this case, there are no drugs involved. It is just plasma and stem cells. I would love for the league to look at this—it is not a performance-enhancing drug. If I were a player today, I would see you as soon as the season ends to get the inflammation out and let the body restore.

25:13 Post-Season Maintenance Strategy

Eduardo Pérez: This isn’t a quick fix like a steroid shot where you feel great two days later but it’s bad for the tissue. This is actually good for the tissue, but you have to allow it to rest. That is why you have time off in the off-season. Stem cell therapy is like an accelerator for healing. If I had known about this 30 years ago, it would have been incredibly beneficial.

27:55 Mitigating Future Surgeries

Eduardo Pérez: I needed surgery for certain things, like a torn UCL, but stem cell therapy after surgery helps tissues heal quicker and safer. It won’t replace every surgery, but it helps mitigate them. Inflammation causes pain and missed time. If I had this back then, maybe I would have had four surgeries instead of 17. I wanted to be functional at an advanced age to play with my kids. You have to care what you put into your body as fuel.

30:08 Availability and Recovery Times

Eduardo Pérez: If I hadn’t done stem cells for my shoulder, I would have 100% needed rotator cuff surgery. I wish they had this when I was in college. For an athlete, the biggest asset is availability. Recovery time from PRP with stem cells is much faster than surgery. I am a professional at rehab; I have all my therapists on speed dial. You have to do maintenance on your body to stay functional.

32:25 Avoiding Recurring Surgeries

Dr. Yi Song: I had an ACL tear and never did surgery; I just did stem cells. Since I am not a professional athlete, I don’t need that specific speed.

Eduardo Pérez: I understand that. I would have had to have my left knee operated on again, but after the stem cells, the soreness tapered off to the point where I don’t even think about it anymore. I am tired of going under the knife. Every surgery creates more scar tissue and inflammation. Stem cells minimize that inflammation so you don’t have that pain. You have to lift weights and eat well, but you also need to look into how to enjoy life without being sore.

35:18 Closing Thoughts for Athletes

Dr. Yi Song: It would be great if active players used stem cell treatment regularly once or twice a year to perform better with fewer injuries.

Eduardo Pérez: Absolutely. Guys are amping up for spring training right now. I would have wanted to do the IV treatment after the season to get my body prepped. Every individual is different, but from my experience, it works. You allow your body to heal, rest, and repeat. I wish I had this when I was 22.

Dr. Yi Song: It was very nice talking with you today about how stem cells help professional athletes. We will talk more about toning the body in the next episode.