ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

SHOULDER SURGEON IN
LANCASTER, PA

Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain. As a fellowship trained shoulder surgeon in Lancaster, Dr. Michael Bercik helps patients reclaim their sleep, their strength, and the activities they love.

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Shoulder Surgery Specialist

Serving Lancaster County for 10+ Years

SCHEDULE TODAY

Shoulder specialist only

Surgical and non-surgical care

Same-week appointments available

Most insurance accepted

Signs It’s Time to See a Shoulder Specialist

Shoulder conditions can worsen when left untreated. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment.

Consider scheduling an appointment if you are dealing with any of the following:

Pain that wakes you up at night or makes it hard to sleep on one side

Weakness when lifting your arm or carrying everyday objects

A clicking, catching, or popping sensation, especially if it is painful

Stiffness or loss of range of motion that has been gradually getting worse

A feeling that the shoulder might slip, give out, or has already dislocated

Pain that has lasted more than a few weeks and has not improved on its own

Don’t wait. Get the answers and relief you deserve. Early evaluation can lead to simpler treatment and a faster return to the activities you love.

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Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and power shoulder movement. Tears can develop gradually from wear and repetitive motion, or happen suddenly from a fall or lift. Common signs include pain when raising the arm, weakness, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, and trouble reaching overhead. Smaller tears often respond well to therapy and conservative care. Larger or persistent tears may need surgical repair to restore strength and function.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis develops when cartilage inside the joint breaks down, causing stiffness, a grinding sensation, pain with movement, and progressive loss of mobility. Early-stage arthritis often improves with medication, injections, and physical therapy. When arthritis becomes advanced and stops responding to conservative treatment, shoulder replacement surgery may be the best path to lasting pain relief.

Shoulder Dislocations

A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball of the upper arm bone is forced out of the socket, usually from a fall, collision, or sudden forced movement. It is one of the most painful shoulder injuries and one of the most likely to recur without proper treatment. After a dislocation, evaluation helps determine whether the labrum or surrounding tissue was damaged and what the risk of future episodes looks like.

Arthroscopic Latarjet

The Latarjet procedure is a surgical solution for patients with shoulder instability and significant bone loss at the socket, or a high risk of recurrence that a soft tissue repair alone cannot adequately address. Dr. Bercik performs the arthroscopic version of this procedure, which achieves the same structural goals as the traditional open approach through smaller incisions and with less disruption to surrounding tissue.

Shoulder SEPARATION

A shoulder separation is an injury to the acromioclavicular joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It typically results from a direct fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. Mild separations often heal with rest and conservative care. More severe injuries involving significant displacement may require surgical stabilization.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes stiffness that develops gradually and gets progressively worse over time. Everyday tasks like getting dressed, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably can become difficult or impossible. The condition can persist for months if left untreated. Early treatment focused on restoring mobility and reducing inflammation typically produces the best results.

Shoulder FRACTURES

Fractures around the shoulder can result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Some heal well with immobilization and physical therapy. Others require surgery depending on the location and severity of the break. Dr. Bercik evaluates each case with imaging to determine the most appropriate treatment path.

TRAUMA & FRACTURE CARE

Complex fractures and post-traumatic shoulder injuries require a different level of evaluation and surgical planning than routine breaks. Whether the injury is recent or has led to complications over time, treatment depends on a thorough assessment of the bone, surrounding tissue, and overall joint function. Some cases resolve with conservative care while others require surgical reconstruction.

MOST PATIENTS START HERE

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is not the starting point for most shoulder conditions. Many patients see meaningful improvement through conservative care first, including:

Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the shoulder, restore flexibility, and improve joint mechanics
Anti-inflammatory medication to manage swelling and reduce pain
Cortisone injections for targeted, temporary relief of inflammation-related pain
Activity modification to reduce strain on injured tissue while it heals
Advanced imaging (MRI, X-ray) to get a clear picture of what is happening inside the joint before deciding on a treatment path

Conservative treatment is typically recommended first, unless the injury is severe or clearly requires surgery to prevent further damage.

WHEN MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED

Surgical Treatment Options

When non-surgical care is not enough to restore function and relieve pain, surgery may be the right next step. Dr. Bercik performs a range of procedures including:

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery a minimally invasive approach using small incisions and camera-guided instruments, suitable for many common shoulder conditions including labral repairs and rotator cuff repair procedures
Rotator cuff repair reattaches torn tendons to bone to reduce pain and rebuild shoulder strength and function
Shoulder replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components; typically recommended for advanced arthritis
Reverse shoulder replacement a specialized procedure for patients with severe arthritis combined with significant rotator cuff damage; repositions the ball and socket so the deltoid muscle can power arm movement
Shoulder stabilization surgery restores stability for patients with repeated dislocations or chronic shoulder instability
Fracture and trauma reconstruction Dr. Bercik’s fellowship training in reconstructive surgery and trauma makes him an experienced choice for complex shoulder fractures and post-traumatic complications

Not sure which treatment path is right for you?

We’re here to help you understand your options and create a plan that gets you back to doing what you love.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Shoulder Surgeon in Lancaster, PA

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Lancaster, PA with sub-specialty training in shoulder surgery. He has been serving Lancaster County and the surrounding communities for over a decade, with offices in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy. His practice focuses exclusively on shoulder conditions, which means every patient gets someone whose entire career has been built around this one joint.

About Dr. Michael Bercik

Dr. Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialty training in shoulder surgery and orthopedic trauma. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University and earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Society, an honor reserved for the top students in the country.

He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, one of the most respected orthopedic programs in the country. During his residency, he earned two awards: the Mark D. Chilton Award for outstanding patient care, and the annual in-training examination award for the highest residency score.

Following residency, Dr. Bercik completed a fellowship in reconstructive surgery and trauma at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, focusing on advanced techniques for treating fractures and post-traumatic complications. He then completed two international fellowships with a specific focus on shoulder conditions, an unusual level of specialization that directly benefits his patients in Lancaster.

He has been practicing in Lancaster County for over a decade with offices in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy.

LEARN MORE

Specialty	Shoulder surgery and orthopedic trauma
Board Certification	Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Sub-specialty Training	Shoulder surgery and orthopedic trauma; two international shoulder fellowships
Education	Georgetown University (magna cum laude); Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Residency	Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Fellowship	Reconstructive surgery and trauma, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Offices	Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, PA
Serves	Lancaster County, Manheim, Lititz, Manheim Township, and surrounding communities
Experience	Over a decade serving Lancaster County
Conditions Treated	Rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, instability, labral tears, frozen shoulder, fractures, dislocations, separations

Why Patients Choose Dr. Bercik

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialty training in shoulder surgery and trauma
Two international fellowships focused specifically on shoulder conditions
Residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, one of the country’s top orthopedic programs
Recognized during residency for both outstanding patient care and academic excellence
Over a decade serving Lancaster County patients from three convenient office locations
Treats both non-surgical and surgical cases, so the recommendation isn’t biased toward the operating room
Detailed consultations with time to understand your options before any decisions are made

shoulder surgeon in lancaster office speaking with patient

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At your first visit, Dr. Bercik will take the time to thoroughly understand shoulder and your goals so you can feel confident in the path forward.

We’re here to listen.

You’ll have time to ask questions, explore your options, and make informed decisions without pressure.

Review

Your consultation will include a review of your symptoms, medical history, activity level, and any prior treatment you have had.

Examination

A physical exam will assess your shoulder’s strength, stability, and range of motion. Imaging may be recommended.

Plan

We’ll explain your treatment options in detail and create a treatment plan tailored to you.

You will have time to ask questions, and nothing will be rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist based in Lancaster, PA, with offices also in Ephrata and Mount Joy. He has sub-specialty training in shoulder surgery and has completed two international fellowships focused on shoulder conditions. He has served Lancaster County patients for over a decade and treats a full range of shoulder injuries and conditions.

Dr. Bercik has three office locations in Lancaster County: Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

You should consider evaluation if shoulder pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is disrupting sleep, limiting movement, or causing weakness. Injuries involving instability, dislocations, or trauma should be seen promptly. Many conditions are easier to treat when caught early.

Not necessarily. Many shoulder conditions resolve with therapy, injections, and conservative care. Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatment has not provided enough relief, or when structural damage needs to be addressed to prevent progression of the condition.

The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia is one of the most respected orthopedic programs in the United States. Dr. Bercik completed his orthopedic surgery residency there and received two awards during his training.

Reverse shoulder replacement is a procedure used when a patient has severe arthritis combined with major rotator cuff damage. It repositions the ball and socket in the joint so the deltoid muscle can power arm movement in place of the damaged rotator cuff.

Recovery depends on the procedure and the severity of the condition. Some patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. Others, particularly after shoulder replacement, may go through several months of rehabilitation. Dr. Bercik will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Inflammation and tendon injuries tend to become more noticeable when you are lying down, particularly if there is pressure on the affected shoulder. Night pain is one of the most common early signs of rotator cuff problems and is worth having evaluated.

Insurance

We accept most insurance providers. If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please contact us for additional information.

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Ready to Get Your Shoulder Looked At?

You do not have to keep managing pain on your own. Whether you are dealing with weakness, stiffness, arthritis, instability, or a recent injury, the first step is a proper evaluation from a specialist focused exclusively on shoulder conditions.

Dr. Michael Bercik sees patients from across Lancaster County, with offices in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy. Contact his office today to schedule a consultation.