Local SkiMo Champ Incorporates ECP into Training Routine

We recently received a note from USA National Ski Mountaineering team member Helen Desmond, endorsing the ECP (External Counter Pulsation) therapy she’s been receiving at Cloudberry.

Ski Mountaineering – or SkiMo – is a demanding winter sport that combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing across challenging, snow-covered mountain terrain. Competitors use specialized skins, bindings and boots, often incorporating sections of hiking with skis on their backs, testing endurance, climbing skill, and technical skiing.

Eighteen-year-old Helen is a recent local high school grad, taking a year off to focus on SkiMo before beginning college in the fall. Over last summer and early fall, she trained for the Winter Olympic Selection races, which took place in early November, and from December through March is competing in World Cup events in Europe. Throughout the 2025 season, she participated in seven World Cup races – and in six of those races she placed in the top 10.

Here’s what she says about ECP as a key component of her training:

My summer training involved around 20 hours per week of running, biking, swimming and roller skiing to maintain my fitness off the snow. I also attended U.S. training camps in Italy, Utah, Oregon and Colorado to aid my downhill skiing and assess my fitness. 

A key component of my training has been my work with the ECP (External Counter Pulsation) machine. Initially, I found it to be a great way to wind down from training, because it forced me to sit and relax. However, as I was consistent with my sessions I realized that the benefits go much deeper: ECP helps boost blood flow, reduces fatigue, flushes lactic acid for quicker recovery, and enhances overall stamina.

For my first 12 or so visits, I would feel tired afterwards, as if I had just completed a workout. The nice thing was, I didn’t feel the adrenaline and strain on my muscles that a workout would have had on my body. In essence, ECP has allowed me to get three extra hours of cardiovascular work per week, without the extra stress on my body. 

As I progressed with the ECP program, I noticed reduced fatigue, which enabled me to complete multiple workouts each day with improved recovery between sessions. My sleep quality has also improved, and I’ve seen an increase in my heart rate variability (HRV) upon waking, indicating better recovery. Dr. Child and Cloudberry have been so helpful with not only the ECP but also my overall health. Dr. Child has ensured that no stone is left unturned when it comes to optimization of my performance.

I’m incredibly grateful for their support. For anyone considering the ECP, I highly recommend it. 

See you in the mountains!

Helen Desmond