The rotator cuff allows for full mobility of the arm without dislocation of the joint. When the rotator cuff becomes injured, movement is severely restricted and severe pain can follow. For those living in Ephrata, PA looking for rotator cuff repair, there is nobody better for the job than Dr. Michael J Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedics.

Finding a shoulder specialist you can trust may feel like a challenging task, but Dr. Bercik makes it easy. Dr. Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in conditions of the shoulder and elbow, and he is known for his exceptional attention to high-quality patient care. In fact, he was presented with the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care. But his recognition does not stop there—Dr. Bercik was also awarded the Othopaedic In-training examination award for being the highest scorer in his residency program.

Dr. Bercik pursues excellence in everything he does. He went beyond traditional orthopedic fellowship experience and took part in two international fellowships to expand his skillset and broaden the services he is able to offer patients here in the United States. This expanded skill set allows him to approach shoulder conditions creatively and tailor care plans to the patient’s exact needs and what will work best for each individual person.

Rotator Cuff Surgery for Baseball Players

What are the common results of surgery?

After surgery, most players are able to return to their original level of throwing. This takes around nine months on average and involves physical therapy and functional strength exercises. By three months post-surgery, most players have their range-of-motion back, but strength and stamina are still lacking. Light throwing and functional training are started around four months in and increased in intensity until full stamina and conditioning are completed (around 9 months). Once this milestone is reached, players can be re-introduced to competitive practices.

There are limited scientific studies on shoulder operations outside traditional surgical methods. In traditional operations, the shoulder incision is in the front of the shoulder, and the operation of performed with traditional tools. For these procedures, it is reported that at least 80% of participants returned to their original level of throwing. The dropout rate post-surgery may also be skewed by players deciding not to return to baseball for reasons other than their shoulder surgery. For most players, surgery does not prohibit returning to their original level of play.

When treating a rotator cuff injury, a physical examination of the shoulder and detailed imaging is needed to be done to ensure a correct diagnosis. The shoulder is a complex joint and pain and immobility can arise from a variety of conditions. Most shoulder pain is derived from conditions that can be treated without surgery, such as tendinitis, so accurate information is needed to determine whether surgery is really the best option. The level of the player and recovery time needs are also considered when determining the treatment and rehabilitation methods. 

Ready to Begin? 

Rotator cuff repairs have the best results when done by an expert orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder ailments, and Dr. Michael J Bercik is the best in the business. Serving East Coast residents for many years, Dr. Bercik is dedicated to helping members of the community heal from injuries and improve their quality of everyday life. To schedule your first appointment, please click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.