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.
