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The Best Post-Workout Drink for Endurance Athletes, According to Science

If you’re an endurance junkie and you’re logging long rides, training for a half-marathon, crushing WODs, or chasing podiums, you already know recovery matters.

But here’s the real question:
What’s the best drink to help you bounce back faster and perform better next time?

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology tested different post-workout drink combinations to find the best way to refuel your energy stores—and the results are worth your attention.

Let’s simplify the science and apply it to real life.

What Is Glycogen and Why Should You Care?

Glycogen is your body’s stored form of carbs—your fuel tanks for performance.

  • Muscle glycogen powers movement (sprinting, squatting, climbing hills).
  • Liver glycogen keeps your blood sugar steady and helps fuel longer-duration effort (think 60+ minute sessions or multi-round metcons).

If you burn through both tanks during a long or hard workout, what you consume afterward affects how quickly and completely you recover.

What Did the Study Test?

Ten trained male cyclists did a glycogen-depleting workout. During the 5-hour recovery period, they consumed one of four drinks:

  1. Maltodextrin only (fast-digesting carb)
  2. Fructose only (fruit sugar)
  3. 50/50 maltodextrin + fructose
  4. That same mix + 30g whey protein

Researchers measured how each option refilled liver and muscle glycogen.

What They Found

  1. Liver Glycogen (Endurance Fuel):
    The best results came from drinks with:

    • Fructose

    • Maltodextrin + Fructose

    • Maltodextrin + Fructose + Protein
      All three outperformed maltodextrin alone when it came to restoring liver glycogen.

  2. Muscle Glycogen (Strength & Speed Fuel):
    All four drinks restored muscle glycogen at similar rates.

  3. Protein Bonus:
    Adding 30g of whey protein didn’t interfere with energy restoration—and supported muscle repair by boosting insulin and amino acid availability.

Key Takeaway for Endurance Junkies

Want more fuel for your next long effort and faster muscle recovery?

Use:

  • A blend of fast carbs and fruit sugar (maltodextrin + fructose)
  • A scoop of whey protein

This combo refills both energy tanks and supports muscle rebuilding—no guesswork required.

Example Recovery Drink

Mix:

  • Maltodextrin powder (or for simplicity: Gatorade powder)
  • A splash of apple or grape juice (for fructose)
  • 1 scoop of whey protein

Drink it within an hour post-workout. Simple. Proven. Effective.

Endurance Performance in Columbia, SC Starts With Smart Recovery

Whether you’re cycling the Riverwalk, training at Irmo’s fitness studios, or prepping for a local triathlon, recovery is part of your training plan.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we work with endurance athletes across the Midlands to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and dial in science-backed strategies that make a difference.

Want the full science? Read the full research article in The Journal of Physiology.

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Dry Needling the Rhomboids Safely: Lessons from a Recent Pneumothorax Case

Dry Needling the Rhomboids: What a Recent Case Teaches Us About Safety

Dry needling is an effective clinical tool for treating myofascial pain, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. But like any skilled intervention, it requires anatomical precision and clinical judgment—especially when needling near the thoracic cavity.

In June 2025, the journal Physical Therapy published a case report of a pneumothorax following dry needling of the rhomboids and middle trapezius using a rib bracketing technique.
You can view the abstract here.

At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, we treat scapular, shoulder, and neck pain daily—and we take safety seriously. That’s why we wanted to break down what went wrong in this case, and how to needle the intrascapular region more safely and effectively.

Watch the full video breakdown by Dr. Brandon Vaughn here:

What Happened in the Case?

The patient was a 24-year-old woman being treated for chronic shoulder and neck pain. The treating physical therapist used a rib bracketing technique to needle the left rhomboid and middle trapezius with 0.20 mm × 20 mm needles. She reported a sharp, abnormal pain during one insertion.

Two days later, she developed shortness of breath, chest pain, and a dry cough. A chest radiograph confirmed a moderate pneumothorax, and she required an ER visit, chest tube placement, and overnight hospitalization. Thankfully, she made a full recovery—but the event was entirely avoidable.

What Went Wrong?

Based on the case report and expert commentary, here’s where the technique likely failed:

1. High-Risk Technique in a Hard-to-Palpate Region

Rib bracketing in the intrascapular region is difficult due to narrow anatomy and variable rib depth. Studies show clinicians are only ~66–73% accurate at palpating ribs between the scapula and spine. That margin of error matters when working near the lungs.

2. Needle Was Too Thin

The therapist used a 0.20 mm needle—so thin it may have glided between ribs or provided poor tactile feedback. In high-risk zones, thicker needles (0.30–0.32 mm) are preferred because they allow the clinician to feel bony resistance and avoid over-penetration.

3. No Adjustment for Patient Anatomy

The patient had a low BMI, meaning her skin-to-pleura distance was minimal. Even a 20 mm needle may have been too long. In our clinic, most patients reach the rib around 10–15 mm, depending on build.

4. Missed Warning Signs

The sharp pain reported during insertion was not typical and should have prompted a reassessment. Ignoring those signs can lead to serious consequences.

How We Do It Differently at Vertex PT

At Vertex PT Specialists, we regularly treat patients with scapular pain, postural dysfunction, and shoulder instability—and dry needling is one of the tools we use. But we take every precaution to ensure safety, including:

Here’s how we reduce risk while still delivering results:

  • We don’t avoid rib bracketing just because a patient has low BMI. Instead, we make sure the technique is executed by clinicians with advanced palpation skills and experience. The issue in this case wasn’t the patient’s body type—it was poor execution.
  • We choose needle size and depth based on actual tissue feel. Most patients reach rib contact between 10–15 mm. Using a needle that’s too thin or going too deep without feedback is what leads to complications.
  • We use alternative techniques—when needed. If rib palpation is uncertain, we’ll switch to pincer grip or bolster methods. Safety comes first.
  • We stay sharp—even with experience. Complacency is dangerous. This isn’t about memorizing depths from a weekend course; it’s about reading the body in front of you.
  • We educate patients. We explain what to expect during treatment and encourage them to speak up if anything feels off.

Dry Needling in Columbia, SC—With Safety in Mind

If you’re dealing with upper back, scapular, or shoulder pain and considering dry needling, it’s essential to work with clinicians who understand both the anatomy and the risks involved. At Vertex PT Specialists, we provide expert dry needling at our clinics in Cayce–West Columbia, Downtown Columbia, and Irmo, SC. We also offer outpatient home health dry needling across Lexington and Richland counties—bringing skilled care directly to your doorstep.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or aiming to move better, our therapists prioritize clinical precision and evidence-based treatment in every session.

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Concussion Supplements That Actually Work: What the Latest Research Says

Concussions are complex—and so is recovery. While rest and graded return-to-activity remain the foundation, research now supports a range of nutritional strategies to help the brain heal more efficiently.

A 2024 review published in Nutrients (PMC11314487) outlines how targeted supplements may reduce inflammation, support energy metabolism, and enhance cognitive recovery following concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

At Vertex PT Specialists, we help patients throughout Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, and West Columbia recover from concussion symptoms with individualized care—and when appropriate, we integrate the latest evidence on supplements into our approach.

Columbia, SC Concussion Experts: What Supplements Actually Help?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

  • Dose: 2–4 grams/day
  • Why: Reduce neuroinflammation, promote repair of damaged neuronal membranes
  • Clinical Note: Especially helpful for athletes or students recovering from sports-related concussion

Creatine Monohydrate

  • Dose: 10–20 grams/day, split into 2–4 doses
  • Why: Boosts brain energy and mitochondrial function—especially important in the early stages of recovery
  • Bonus: Also supports muscle recovery, making it useful for active individuals

Magnesium

  • Dose: ~400 mg/day
  • Why: Supports neurotransmitter regulation and better sleep, both of which are critical during concussion recovery
  • Pro Tip: Ask your physical therapist which form of magnesium is best for your symptoms

Vitamin D

  • Dose: 2,000–5,000 IU/day
  • Why: May support vestibular system and reduce long-term post-concussion symptoms

Citicoline (Choline)

  • Dose: 1–2 grams/day
  • Why: Aids in brain cell membrane repair and memory function

Other Nutrients That May Help With Concussion Recovery

  • Vitamin E – Protects brain cells from oxidative stress
  • Riboflavin (B2) – May reduce headache frequency
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) – Supports glutathione, your brain’s primary antioxidant
  • Wild Blueberry Extract – Improves cognitive function and memory
  • Boswellia Serrata – Anti-inflammatory plant compound
  • BCAAs – May help balance excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters after concussion

Our Columbia-Based Approach to Concussion Recovery

Concussion recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Vertex PT, we serve patients from Forest Acres to West Columbia, offering individualized physical therapy and vestibular rehabilitation for post-concussion syndrome.

We’re not just focused on rest—we look at the big picture: movement, nutrition, sleep, visual tracking, and return-to-play.

We stay current with the evidence so you don’t have to. And we’re always happy to coordinate with your primary care physician or neurologist to support safe recovery.

Schedule With a Concussion Specialist in Columbia, SC

Whether you’re dealing with persistent symptoms or just want a plan that supports full recovery, we’re here to help.

Contact us to schedule a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist experienced in treating concussions across Columbia and the Midlands.

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TMJ Pain in Columbia SC? Here’s What Really Helps (Backed by Physical Therapy and Dry Needling)

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or limited opening, you’re not alone. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) affects millions of Americans—and it’s one of the most overlooked musculoskeletal issues in physical therapy.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we specialize in treating TMJ disorders using a combination of hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, and targeted dry needling. We’ve helped hundreds of patients in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and West Columbia, SC get relief—many of whom thought their only options were pain meds, bite guards, or surgery.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMD refers to dysfunction of that joint, which can be caused by:

  • Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism)
  • Poor posture or cervical spine issues
  • Stress and muscle overactivity
  • Trauma to the jaw or neck
  • Dental procedures or orthodontics

Common TMJ Symptoms We See in Our Columbia Clinics

  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
  • Pain when chewing or yawning
  • Headaches, especially near the temples
  • Pain near the ears or face
  • Limited jaw opening or closing
  • Tooth sensitivity without dental cause
  • Neck tension or poor posture

How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ in Columbia SC

At Vertex PT Specialists, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to treating TMD. You won’t just get a handout or quick massage—we do a full biomechanical evaluation of:

  • Jaw motion
  • Muscle function (masseter, pterygoid, temporalis)
  • Cervical spine involvement
  • Postural alignment and breathing mechanics

Your PT plan may include:

  • Manual therapy to release trigger points and restore mobility
  • Dry needling of the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids to reduce muscle tension
  • Postural correction and ergonomic coaching
  • Jaw coordination retraining (often overlooked!)
  • Cervical spine mobilization if neck issues are contributing

TMJ Dry Needling in Columbia, SC

Many of our patients find the fastest relief comes from dry needling of overactive jaw muscles. This targets the true source of pain—often deep trigger points you can’t release with stretching or massage alone.

Read our full post on TMJ Dry Needling here »

Dry needling can help with:

  • Jaw popping or clenching
  • Locking with opening or chewing
  • Headaches and facial tightness
  • Ear fullness or ringing
  • Tooth pain without dental pathology

All of our dry needling sessions are one-on-one, full-hour treatments with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Who We Treat

We’ve helped:

  • Teachers with stress-related jaw clenching
  • Teens in orthodontic treatment
  • Athletes with head/neck trauma
  • Office workers with poor posture
  • Chewers and teeth grinders of all kinds

Whether your TMJ pain started recently or has been chronic for years, we can help.

TMJ Physical Therapy in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and West Columbia

We offer treatment for TMJ and jaw pain at all three of our clinics:

We also offer outpatient home visits in the Columbia metro area if you’re unable to travel.

Ready to Get Relief from TMJ Pain?

If you’re tired of jaw pain running your life—or if you’re frustrated by being bounced between dentists, ENTs, and specialists—it might be time to try something different.

Contact us today to schedule a full evaluation and personalized plan.

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Postpartum Recovery and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC: Why Kegels Might Not Be Enough

If you’ve been told to “just do Kegels” after pregnancy, you’re not alone—and you’re not getting the full picture.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we provide women’s health physical therapy in Columbia, SC that goes beyond outdated advice. Our pelvic floor physical therapist, Dr. Katie Bailey, PT, DPT, helps women recover their strength, confidence, and control through a personalized approach to postpartum recovery that actually works.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialized form of treatment that addresses the muscles, nerves, and tissues that support your pelvic organs. These structures can become dysfunctional due to pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, or injury.

Common symptoms include:

  • Urinary leakage or urgency
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Diastasis recti
  • Pain during sex
  • Difficulty returning to exercise
  • Core weakness or instability

Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer

While Kegels have become the go-to recommendation for pelvic floor issues, they aren’t the solution for everyone. Many postpartum women actually have tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles, not weak ones. In these cases, Kegels can make things worse.

As Dr. Katie Bailey explains in this educational post, real recovery involves more than isolated muscle contractions. It requires:

  • Restoring the mind-muscle connection
  • Learning how to manage pressure
  • Strengthening through functional, full-body movement

A Smarter, 3-Phase Approach to Postpartum Recovery

At Vertex PT Specialists, our pelvic floor rehab process is divided into three clear stages:

  1. Reconnect
    Rebuild awareness through diaphragmatic breathing and gentle coordination exercises.
  2. Rebuild
    Develop a solid strength foundation through progressive loading and postural control.
  3. Return
    Ease back into running, lifting, jumping, and other higher-impact activities while monitoring for symptoms.

Every phase is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, birth history, activity level, and goals.

Serving Women in Columbia, SC and Surrounding Areas

Dr. Katie Bailey sees patients at our Vertex PT Cayce clinic, just minutes from downtown Columbia. She works one-on-one with women in a private setting for a full hour, providing individualized care in a comfortable, supportive environment.

This program is ideal for women who are dealing with:

  • Postpartum or age-related incontinence
  • Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic heaviness or pressure
  • Diastasis recti and core dysfunction

Whether you are newly postpartum, preparing for childbirth, or years past delivery and still struggling—pelvic floor physical therapy can help.

Meet Dr. Katie Bailey, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Dr. Katie Bailey, PT, DPT, has advanced clinical training in pelvic health and personal experience as a mother of two. Her compassionate and evidence-based care helps women across the Columbia, SC area recover without surgery or medication.

Looking for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC?

We’re here to help.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, pressure, or urinary leakage, visit our Women’s Health Physical Therapy page to learn more or schedule an evaluation with Dr. Katie Bailey.

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Dry Needling for Low Back Pain: Targeting the Erector Spinae and Multifidus

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy. At Vertex PT Specialists, we use advanced techniques like dry needling to target deep spinal stabilizers that traditional treatments often miss.

In this video, Dr. Josh Jeffery, PT, DPT, CSCS, reviews the anatomical considerations, palpation techniques, and safe application of dry needling to the erector spinae and multifidus—key muscles responsible for lumbar support and segmental control.
Watch the Video

Dry Needling the Lumbar Spine for Low Back Pain Relief

 

Why Target the Erector Spinae and Multifidus?

The erector spinae and multifidus are deep postural muscles that play a critical role in spinal stability. When irritated or inhibited, they can contribute to chronic low back pain, joint dysfunction, and muscular compensation patterns.

Dry needling helps:

  • Improve muscle activation and proprioception
  • Reduce myofascial tension
  • Restore mobility in adjacent spinal segments
  • Decrease pain and improve functional outcomes

This approach is especially useful for patients who haven’t responded to stretching, manual therapy, or exercise alone.

Get Dry Needling in Columbia, SC

At Vertex PT Specialists, we treat low back pain using personalized, evidence-based techniques delivered one-on-one by licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy.

We have clinic locations in:

  • Cayce
  • Downtown Columbia
  • Irmo

We also provide in-home physical therapy services throughout Lexington County and Richland County.

Schedule Your Evaluation

To learn more about our dry needling services or to schedule your appointment, please contact us.

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Dry Needling for Cervicogenic Headaches in Columbia, SC

At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, we work with patients who suffer from persistent neck pain and headaches that haven’t improved with traditional approaches. One of the most effective treatment options we offer is dry needling, particularly targeting a deep muscle called the Obliquus Capitis Inferior (OCI).

What Is the OCI and Why Does It Matter?

The OCI is one of the suboccipital muscles located at the base of your skull. When this muscle becomes tight or irritated, it can compress the suboccipital nerve and contribute to a type of headache called a cervicogenic headache. These headaches often start in the neck and wrap around the head, radiating into the temple, jaw, behind the eye, or even into the teeth.

This happens due to referral patterns into the trigeminocervical nucleus, a key structure where upper cervical nerves and cranial nerves (like CN V, VII, IX, X, XI, and cervical nerves C1–C2) converge. Tension in the OCI can light up this system and result in persistent, often misunderstood head pain.

How Dry Needling Helps

Dry needling is a targeted manual therapy technique used by our Doctors of Physical Therapy to release tension in deep muscular structures. When applied to the OCI, dry needling can:

  • Decrease pressure on the suboccipital nerve
  • Improve upper cervical mobility
  • Reduce neural irritation to the trigeminocervical complex
  • Provide long-term relief from cervicogenic headaches

Watch the Technique

Below is a demonstration of dry needling the OCI, performed by Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS. This technique is performed with precision and care to target the deep suboccipital region effectively and safely.

Serving Columbia and the Surrounding Areas

Vertex PT Specialists provides physical therapy services including dry needling for cervicogenic headaches across Columbia, Cayce-West Columbia, Lexington, and Cayce, SC. If you’ve been dealing with chronic headaches and haven’t found relief, we encourage you to reach out.

Contact Us

Reach out to us today to schedule your evaluation with one of our licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy Let us help you get to the root cause of your headaches and build a path forward.

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From Gymnastics Studios to Garage Gyms: Who Can Benefit from In-Home Physical Therapy?


When people think of home health physical therapy, they often picture older adults recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions—and we absolutely serve those patients. But that’s only part of the story.

At Vertex PT Specialists, our Outpatient Home Health Physical Therapy team serves a wide spectrum of patients in Lexington and Richland Counties. From total knee replacements to competitive gymnasts and powerlifters. If you need PT but want to keep training, working, or living on your terms, we’ll come to you.

Who We Serve

We regularly help:

✅ Older adults recovering from joint replacements
✅ Patients with Parkinson’s, strokes, or other neurological conditions
✅ Busy professionals recovering from surgery who prefer privacy and convenience
✅ Youth athletes who need to stay in their training environment
✅ High-level strength athletes rehabbing joint injuries without leaving their gym

Our licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy bring the clinic to you.

This isn’t a convenience play, it’s a model designed around function, independence, and outcomes. We deliver the same high-level care you’d receive in a clinic, but in the environments that matter most to you: your home, your gym, your studio.

We treat a wide range of patients across Lexington and Richland Counties, from post-operative joint replacements to youth athletes and neurological cases. Our clinicians are equipped to manage complex rehab plans, advanced manual therapy techniques, and individualized strength and conditioning—all without you stepping foot into a clinic.

Some of the people we work with include:

  • Gymnasts and dancers who need to stay active during rehab, treated right in their studio environment to maintain continuity and confidence
  • Donnie Thompson—the first human to total 3,000 pounds in powerlifting competition, who trusted our team to handle his total knee rehab in his home gym
  • Adults recovering from strokes or managing Parkinson’s Disease, where in-home care allows us to build strength, coordination, and safety in the same spaces they navigate daily
  • Active individuals who prefer manual therapy and movement-based care in their garage gym or home training space
  • Older adults regaining independence after surgery or injury, through targeted functional training like navigating stairs, standing from chairs, and improving walking endurance
Wherever you are in your journey (returning to sport, adapting to life after a neurologic event, or rebuilding strength post-op), our goal is the same: personalized, evidence-based care delivered where it counts.

We proudly serve patients in Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Columbia, Forest Acres, Irmo, and nearby communities.

Why It Matters

Outpatient Home Health PT means:

  • No missed practices or training sessions
  • No unnecessary travel, waiting rooms, or scheduling hassles
  • No compromise in the quality of care
We use the same tools, technology, and clinical reasoning you’d find in the clinic (brought to your turf).

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re in the Midlands and wondering if in-home physical therapy is right for you or your athlete, click here to learn more or contact us.

Let us meet you where you are and keep you moving.
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What to Look for in a Sports Physical Therapist

When you’re recovering from an injury or trying to stay in the game, you need more than a basic rehab plan. As an athlete—whether competitive or recreational—you deserve physical therapy that reflects the demands of your sport and helps you return stronger, not just pain-free.

If you’re searching for sports physical therapy in Columbia, SC (or the surrounding areas like Irmo, Cayce, or Lexington), here’s what to look for:

1. Experience Working With Athletes

Athletes don’t move—or recover—like the general population. They need PTs who understand the demands of sport: force, speed, explosiveness, and repeatability.

At Vertex PT, we’ve helped athletes return to everything from CrossFit Games competition to the MLB, Paralympics, Highland Games, Ironman triathlons, and collegiate championships. But we also treat everyday lifters, runners, and weekend warriors who want to move better, train harder, and stay healthy long-term.

2. Facilities That Match the Workload

Your rehab environment matters. A small treatment room doesn’t cut it when you need to jump, sprint, or squat under load. That’s why each of our clinics connects directly to training space—with sled turf, rubber flooring, barbells, plyo tools, and space to move like an athlete.

Whether you’re rehabbing an ACL or working through shoulder pain, you’ll be in an environment where therapy blends seamlessly with training.

3. A Team That Gets It—Because They’ve Lived It

Our staff isn’t just trained in performance rehab—we’ve lived it.
Vertex is home to former collegiate baseball players, soccer players, runners, tennis players, and multiple full-distance Ironman triathletes. We even have a Boston Marathon qualifier on staff.

We understand what it takes to train, recover, and compete. That mindset shows up in the way we assess, treat, and progress every athlete who walks through our doors.

4. More Than Just Pain Relief

Your discharge date shouldn’t be based on pain alone. A great sports PT will guide you through progressive loading, mobility restoration, strength work, and sport-specific drills. Our goal is not just to get you back—but to help you stay there.

From post-op protocols to return-to-sport testing, we tailor your rehab to meet the actual demands of your sport or training environment.

5. A Track Record of Results

We’ve helped athletes recover from surgeries, nagging overuse injuries, and everything in between. Our clinics have seen patients go on to win world championships, qualify for elite races, and return to high-level collegiate and pro competition.

You don’t have to guess if your therapist knows how to work with athletes. We do it every day.

Want to see how we do it? Check out our Sports Physical Therapy page for a full look at our process and performance-focused rehab.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about getting back to your sport—or just want to move and train pain-free—make sure you’re working with a team that knows how to guide that process. You don’t have to settle for generic rehab. You can work with a team that treats athletes like athletes.

Vertex PT Specialists
Serving Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, Lexington, and beyond.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation

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Thinking About BPC-157 for a SLAP Tear? Here’s What You Should Know

It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once:
“Can peptides like BPC-157 actually heal a SLAP tear?”

I answered this in a recent YouTube video, but I wanted to break it down further here—especially for anyone exploring shoulder pain solutions, labral injuries, or alternatives to surgery.

Watch the full breakdown here:

New to Peptides?

If you’re not familiar with peptides or how they’re used in recovery and performance, I’ve written a few free guides you can check out:

What Is a SLAP Tear?

A SLAP tear stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior. It’s a type of labral injury in the shoulder—often caused by trauma, overhead lifting, or repetitive strain. These are common in CrossFit athletes, pitchers, and anyone performing high-volume or forceful shoulder movements.

Common symptoms include:

  • Deep pain in the front of the shoulder
  • Clicking, catching, or popping
  • Weakness or power loss during overhead or pressing movements
  • Pain with throwing, push-ups, or dips

BPC-157 and SLAP Tears: What the Peptide Can (and Can’t) Do

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide that’s been studied in animal models for its effects on:

  • Soft tissue healing
  • Blood vessel formation
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Gastrointestinal protection

It’s often used in the performance world as a recovery aid—but it’s important to understand its limitations.

A SLAP tear is a structural issue—a physical detachment or fraying of the labrum. No peptide, including BPC-157, can reattach a torn labrum. Surgery is the only intervention that can definitively “fix” a SLAP tear in the anatomical sense.

That said, many people respond incredibly well to conservative rehab, even without surgery. And a peptide like BPC-157 may support the healing environment when paired with a structured PT program. Just don’t count on it to do the heavy lifting alone.

Why Physical Therapy Is Still the Foundation

Not all SLAP tears require surgery. In fact, evidence shows that many Type I and II tears respond well to conservative care—particularly when managed by an experienced physical therapist.

Here’s what a PT plan might look like:

1. Pain Management and Inflammation Control
Manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted mobility drills help reduce pain and calm down the joint.

2. Restoring Mobility
We use specific stretching and joint mobilizations to improve range of motion—without aggravating the labrum.

3. Strength and Stability
The shoulder doesn’t work in isolation. Rehab includes rotator cuff activation, scapular control, and trunk strength, progressing to overhead loading as tolerated.

4. Return-to-Sport or Activity
Once symptoms improve, we guide you back to high-level function using reaction drills, return-to-lift programming, and task-specific progressions.

Multiple studies back this approach—and we’ve seen firsthand how the right plan can outperform surgery in the right cases.

What to Expect at Vertex PT

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a SLAP tear, the team at Vertex PT Specialists offers comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that go beyond cookie-cutter protocols.

We combine expert clinical reasoning, hands-on care, strength programming, and (when appropriate) education on peptides and performance tools—based on what you need, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Need Help?

If you’re exploring your shoulder rehab options, or trying to avoid unnecessary surgery, we’re happy to help. Reach out to us or schedule an evaluation at one of our clinics.

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