When looking for an orthopedic shoulder doctor, it is essential to choose a practitioner who is highly skilled with the complex anatomy and physiology of the shoulder. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, Dr. Michael J Bercik and our team specialize in this field. They have many years of experience helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain in the shoulder. Lebanon, PA, residents should reach out to our team at the Mt. Joy location today to get started.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University and completing medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Bercik pursued domestic and international fellowships to expand his understanding and expertise in orthopedic shoulder conditions. He first completed a domestic fellowship at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Trauma and Reconstructive surgery. He learned expert techniques like treating trauma complications like nonunions, malunions, infections, and arthritis.

Dr. Bercik then completed two international fellowships, one of which was at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France under Dr. Gilles Walch. Dr. Walch is widely renowned as one of the most influential shoulder surgeons globally, and Dr. Bercik was able to learn advanced and complicated techniques during this fellowship. We want our patients to receive the best care, often thinking beyond traditional orthopedic methods.

What to Expect from Physical Therapy After Surgery 

The day after shoulder surgery, patients are usually asked to perform passive therapeutic exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. These shoulder movements involve the arm that did not have surgery lifting the operated-on arm over the head. This increases the activity of the muscles in the operated-on area and reduces stiffness without having the injured muscles contract and is especially important for procedures such as repairing the rotator cuff because the muscles take six weeks to re-attach to the bone and may be torn with premature movement. Passive exercises will continue for these six weeks and will usually be done around four times per day. You will also keep the sling on 24 hours per day (even while sleeping) except to shower or get dressed.

At the 6-week postoperative period, you will be re-evaluated and allowed to remove the sling and begin active physical therapy. This means you can perform exercises using the muscles of the operated-on arm. At this point, your physical therapist will develop a training routine specifically for your needs that involve a combination of techniques such as therapeutic exercises, ultrasound, manual stretching and massage, and ice and heat therapy.

Active therapy will continue with light weights and low-intensity exercises until around six months following surgery, when you can progressively lift heavier weights. Typically, full recovery and pain relief are achieved in 6 to 9 months. In some cases, it can take up to a full year for a complete return to activity.

Depending on your needs as an individual, it is generally recommended to avoid participating in jobs or activities that put immense strain on the rotator cuff even after the injury is healed. This is to prevent the change of re-injury and the potential for a second surgery.

Contact Us Today

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder doctor who provides high-quality patient treatment and care to residents of Lebanon, PA. If you believe we can help you, waste no time contacting us at Lancaster Orthopedics.