When it comes to shoulder care, choosing an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in the area is key to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options. Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a specialization in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and orthopedic traumatology, and East Petersburg, PA residents should feel confident trusting him with their care.

Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon East Petersburg, PADr. Michael Bercik aims for perfection in everything he does, and he was awarded the Orthopaedic In-training Examination award for achieving the highest score in his residency program. Prior to this, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University, before completing his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He then went on to complete 3 fellowships, one domestically (also at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School) and two internationally under some of the most influential shoulder surgeons in the world. This breadth of experience allowed Dr. Bercik to focus on learning advanced techniques for shoulder and elbow to offer his patients innovative methods to promote quick recoveries and outstanding results.

Dr. Bercik’s expertise extends into patient care, and he was awarded the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care. He treats every patient with dedication, respect, and compassion to foster relationships that last throughout the treatment process and beyond.

Common Post-Shoulder Surgery Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Pain and stiffness are not uncommon following shoulder surgery, but knowing how to treat them common symptoms after surgery can mean the difference between long term stiffness and pain-free mobility.

Let’s go through common post-shoulder surgery symptoms and how they are treated:

  • Pain following surgery. Pain following surgery is common, but your orthopedic shoulder surgeon and healthcare team will work with you to ensure you are not in extreme discomfort. This will typically be treated with over-the-counter medication first, but severe pain may be treated with stronger medication or additional treatment methods.
  • Stiffness following surgery. Shoulder stiffness is common after shoulder surgery, but symptoms typically resolve quickly. In some cases, more frequently following rotator cuff repairs and in older populations, “postoperative frozen shoulder” may occur. This is typically treated with physiotherapy, steroid injections, hydrodilation, or—in rare cases—additional shoulder surgery known as capsular release. Almost all cases of shoulder stiffness resolve within a year.
  • Scarring following surgery. Scarring directly after surgery is normal, especially for open surgery. However, most surgical scars disappear to a barely noticeable thin, pale line within one year of surgery. Before this, the scar will typically look red. To help heal scarring, bio-oils, silicone gels, Vitamin E, and other methods are often prescribed by your doctor to help the skin heal.
  • Nerve injuries after surgery. Nerve injuries appear in less than 1% of patients and may be treated with a revision surgery. However, your orthopedic surgeon will work with you for the best treatment plan to restore optimal feeling and movement.
  • Blood clots after surgery. Blood clots appear in less than 1% of patients and are treated with compression. In these cases, your physician will work closely with you to help treat the symptoms.

Ready to Begin?

Residents of East Petersburg, PA, looking for an expert orthopedic shoulder surgeon should look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group. To schedule your first appointment today, click the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.