Are you wondering whether visiting an orthopedic shoulder surgeon may benefit you? Residents of Sinking Springs, PA, should look no further than Dr. Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group for their shoulder needs.

When you visit an orthopedic shoulder surgeon, they will evaluate your symptoms, take imaging tests of your shoulder, and discuss potential treatment plans with you. Dr. Michael Bercik and our experienced orthopedic team will guide you from diagnosis to treatment to ensure you are provided with the best tools to make an effective and long-lasting recovery.

Dr. Michael Bercik is an experienced orthopedic shoulder surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions, including post-traumatic care and complications. Following receiving his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Bercik completed three fellowships, including one domestic and two international experiences.

To advance his specialization in shoulder and elbow conditions, Dr. Bercik trained under some of the most influential shoulder surgeons in the world, including Dr. Gilles Walch at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France. This experience allowed Dr. Bercik to go beyond his traditional training and learn state-of-the-art techniques from international hospitals, giving him the expertise to provide his patients with creative solutions to complex problems.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a shoulder condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and limited in movement. The signs of this condition usually begin slowly and are accompanied by discomfort or pain in the shoulder. Generally, symptoms worsen and then resolve within a few years.

If you are recovering from a procedure, such as a mastectomy or other upper body surgery which limits your shoulder movement, you are at an increased risk of a frozen shoulder.

How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

There is a range of frozen shoulder treatments depending on your symptoms and their severity. Treatment includes range-of-motion exercises, numbing mediation, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or arthroscopic surgery to loosen the joint capsule. The goal of the treatments is to increase movement and decrease pain in the area.

What Are The Stages of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder progresses in three stages over time. These three stages happen gradually, and it is best to seek treatment as soon as you identify chronic stiffness in your shoulder.

The three main stages are as follows:

The Freezing Stage: There is pain in the shoulder when you move it, and the range of motion of your shoulder begins to decrease.

The Frozen Stage: The joint is stiff, and you may be unable to use it. With less movement, pain may subside.

The Thawing Stage: The shoulder movement begins to return, and you gradually return to regular activity.

When you sleep on the affected shoulder, pain may worsen. Frozen shoulder also becomes more likely when you are over 40, and women are more likely to experience it than men.

When you begin treatment for frozen shoulder, you will first be given non-surgical methods. Usually, frozen shoulder begins to subside within 12 to 18 months. However, in some cases, if symptoms persevere over a long period or become severe, surgery can help to alleviate symptoms.

Let’s Get Started!

Shoulder pain and limited movement can significantly hinder your daily life. An expert orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Bercik can guide you through your return to full shoulder function. For residents of Sinking Spring looking to begin their journey with Lancaster Orthopedic Group, schedule your first appointment today by using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.