Shoulder injuries can occur in the blink of an eye and leave lasting impacts. Whether you are suffering from a recent injury or have been dealing with chronic shoulder pain for years, Dr. Bercik and our experienced team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you diagnose and treat your condition quickly and effectively. For residents of Elizabethtown, PA, look no further than Lancaster Orthopedic Group for the most experienced shoulder surgeon.

Dr. Michael Bercik graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University before graduating from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School with his medical degree. While at Rutgers, Dr. Bercik was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Society. He later returned to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for a Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship, where he learned advanced techniques for treating acute fractures and post-traumatic complications.

Dr. Bercik is dedicated to being the best in his field and is continually learning the latest techniques in shoulder and elbow orthopedics. He has completed two international fellowships alongside his domestic fellowships and integrates state-of-the-art techniques into his traditional medical education. When you trust Dr. Bercik and Lancaster Orthopedic Group with your care, you are trusting a team of professionals dedicated to delivering the best patient care and patient outcomes.

Shoulder Surgery: Is It Painful?

While all surgery results in some level of pain, pain should not keep you from having a necessary shoulder operation. The staff at the hospital will ensure you have the pain medication and anesthesia needed to feel comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. If you have concerns about having anesthesia and pain medication, it is important to discuss this with your doctor prior to the operation so that the practitioners can prepare the right procedure for you.

When you have shoulder surgery, you will either have arthroscopic surgery or open shoulder surgery. For open shoulder surgery, you will most likely be put under traditional anesthesia. This is known as general anesthesia, which is where they put you to sleep during the procedure. An anesthesiologist will be with you during the entire process to monitor the anesthesia and make sure the dosages are correct for you.

If you have an arthroscopic procedure, this is when the surgery is performed through tiny incisions around the shoulder. This type of surgery can often be done through nerve blocks injected into the neck or shoulder. These nerve blocks numb the shoulder and arm, as well as reduce pain after surgery. Often you will not need general anesthesia, but some surgeons opt for this anyway.

After your recovery, you will likely experience pain as part of the healing process. This pain should not be overbearing and should fade with time. In most cases, your shoulder doctor will provide recommendations to reduce pain and maximize comfort.

Shoulder Surgery: What Is the Recovery Time?

The recovery time for shoulder surgery varies, but it usually ranges from weeks to months. You will probably experience some level of pain and swelling for a few weeks after surgery.

After your shoulder surgery, you will be advised certain recovery methods such as ice and pain medication to help improve comfort and reduce swelling. Propping up the shoulder will also help to increase drainage and reduce swelling.

After a few weeks, most patients start rehabilitation exercise plans with a physical therapist. This will include gentle stretching and movement that progressively increases over a few weeks. By doing this, patients can greatly reduce recovery time.

Ready to Begin?

Residents of Elizabethtown, PA, should look no further than Dr. Bercik and our experienced Lancaster Orthopedic Group team for their shoulder needs. To schedule your first appointment today with a highly experienced shoulder surgeon, click the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.