Are you experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis in the shoulder? Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Bercik specializes in ailments of the shoulder and can help you take strides towards maximizing your movement abilities. To schedule your first appointment, residents of Lancaster, PA, should look no further than our experienced team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group.

Dr. Michael Bercik completed his medical education at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School before beginning his residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA. He was the highest scorer in this residency program and went on from there to complete three fellowships to further advance his skills in shoulder orthopedics and learn state-of-the-art techniques to improve results and minimize recovery. During his fellowships, Dr. Michael Bercik was able to train under world renowned shoulder surgeons, such as Dr. Gilles Walch at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France. These experiences allowed him to master complex techniques that he now brings to his patients here in Lancaster, PA.

What Does Shoulder Osteoarthritis Feel Like?

Shoulder osteoarthritis is typically associated with the following symptoms:

• Pain during movements
• Relief from symptoms during periods of inactivity (may decrease as symptoms worsen)
• Restricted shoulder range of motion
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Stiffness that worsens over time
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

How Is Shoulder Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

As osteoarthritis in the shoulder progresses, it will likely begin to show on shoulder x-rays. This will be visible through decreased space between the bones in the shoulder as the cartilage wears down. Cysts and bone spurs may also be shown on the x-rays. In addition to X-rays, CAT scans can be used to get a more comprehensive picture of the shoulder.

In addition to imaging scans, your orthopedic doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and the effects on your daily life. Based on this, you may be recommended additional treatments or tests, such as physical therapy to help restore certain movements. You will also typically be evaluated on your muscle strength, range of motion, and shoulder stability to determine the best course of action to maximize your movement abilities.

What Are the Goals of Nonsurgical Treatments?

Nonsurgical treatments have several aims, depending on your specific condition. Generally, the goal is to help you have the highest level of movement with minimal pain and complications. Having comprehensive nonsurgical treatment can reduce, eliminate, or delay the need for surgery. Nonsurgical treatments often focus around these goals:

• Improve the ability to perform daily activities comfortably. Sometimes, even the simplest changes can have big results. Whether it is changing the height of your computer or the location of your shampoo, little environmental changes can significantly reduce aggravation to your shoulder. When combining this with exercises to improve function and reduce pain, patients often see outstanding improvement.
• Improve the movement of your shoulder. As you might expect, a big focus of nonsurgical treatment is often to improve shoulder mobility. This can be increasing flexibility, strengthening surrounding tissues, or utilizing physical therapy techniques such as manual stretching or ultrasound.
• Strengthening surrounding muscles. Often, strengthening surrounding muscles can reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve support within the shoulder.

Let’s Get Started!

The sooner you begin, the sooner you are likely to see outstanding results. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, you can schedule an appointment with shoulder specialist Dr. Michael Bercik to receive individualized treatment and work toward your goals. For Lancaster residents, schedule your first appointment by clicking the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.