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.

Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab

Download Here

Recovering from an ACL injury can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, you can improve your outcomes. Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab is a comprehensive guide that combines evidence-based practices with the latest in peptide therapy to support recovery and long-term health.

Written by Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, this guide provides clear, actionable protocols tailored to each stage of recovery.

What’s Inside:

  • Phase-Specific Recovery Protocols: Step-by-step guidance for using peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, and IGF-1 LR3 during each stage of ACL rehab.
  • Nutritional Support: Practical recommendations for optimizing recovery through diet and supplementation.
  • Case Studies: Real-world examples showing how peptides can accelerate healing and reduce downtime.
  • Safety Guidelines: Tips for sourcing, reconstituting, and administering peptides responsibly.

Who Is This For?

  • Physical Therapists: Gain insights into incorporating peptide therapy into your practice.
  • ACL Patients: Learn how to actively support your recovery with targeted strategies.
  • Athletes and Enthusiasts: Reduce injury risk and improve recovery with peptide-based solutions.

Why This Guide?

Brandon Vaughn shares over 15 years of clinical experience, combining innovative therapies with practical recovery advice. This guide is designed to provide a balanced and evidence-based approach to ACL rehabilitation.

Stay Updated:

Follow Brandon on Instagram for the latest updates on peptide therapy and recovery tips: @bvthept.

Start improving your recovery today. Download Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab and explore how peptides can make a difference in your healing process.

I’ve compiled all the Q&As from Peptides 101, along with common questions from DMs, texts, and emails, into one convenient resource! This document will be updated at least monthly, so feel free to enter $0 at checkout and check back periodically to re-download the latest version. Keep those questions coming!

Free to download here.

-Dr. Brandon

Peptides 201: Advanced Stacks for Performance, Recovery, and Longevity by Dr. Brandon Vaughn builds upon the foundational knowledge shared in Peptides 101. This guide is designed for those ready to take their peptide journey to the next level with advanced protocols tailored for specific goals like muscle growth, fat loss, injury recovery, and anti-aging. Combining evidence-based science and practical experience, Peptides 201 dives deep into peptide stacking, optimized dosages, and protocols to help you achieve faster results. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from injury, or looking to enhance overall longevity, this comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge needed to fine-tune your approach to peptides.

Tap the link below to download.
Download Here

Curious about peptides and their potential to enhance your well-being? Dive into Dr. Brandon Vaughn’s latest ebook, “Peptides 101: A Beginner’s Guide”. In this concise yet comprehensive guide, Dr. Vaughn breaks down the fundamentals of peptides and provides actionable tips for safe and effective use.

From defining peptides to understanding dosage and injection techniques, this guide has you covered. Download your copy today and start your journey towards optimal health!

Download your copy of “Peptides 101: A Beginner’s Guide” here