Looking for a rotator cuff tear specialist in Lancaster, PA? Dr. Michael Bercik is a specialized, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who focuses on shoulder and elbow ailments. He has been renowned for his patient care and dedication to improving current orthopedic shoulder techniques. In addition, he has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters that continue to push the field forward.

Dr. Michael Bercik works side-by-side with each of his patients to fully understand the big picture. By understanding patients’ backgrounds and contributing factors to their symptoms, Dr. Bercik can develop a treatment plan to address the root of the problem. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we are a team with our patients and are committed to helping them achieve their best quality of life.

Strengthening the Rotator Cuff After Surgery

After a rotator cuff injury, exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff are essential to rebuild function and avoid future injuries. This is especially critical after surgery. While your rehabilitation will be led by your rotator cuff tear specialist and medical team, you can expect a range of passive and active stretching and strengthening exercises. Common exercises prescribed to patients while recovering from rotator cuff surgery include:

Hanging Arm Circles

Lean forward until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Place the hand of your unaffected arm on a table for support and let the affected arm hang.

Relax the affected arm and move your body to create a circular motion with the relaxed arm. Let the affected arm make 10 counterclockwise and 10 clockwise movements. The arm should be relaxed with the movement coming from the shoulder. Repeat 2-3 times per day.

Assisted Arm Raise 

For this exercise, lift your arms above your head while clasping your hands together. Try to straighten your elbows as much as you can and hold for at least 10 seconds. Then, bring the arms down slowly.

Repeat 10-15 times per session and 2-3 times per day.

Supported Shoulder Rotation 

Bend your arm to a 90-degree angle (or as close as you can get) with your elbow at your side. Then, keeping your elbow there, rotate the forearm to point in front of the body and then back to point out to the side of the body. Repeat 5-10 times 2-3 times per day.

Wall Walk-Ups

Stand arm distance in front of a wall and extend your affected arm so that your fingers touch the wall. Walk your fingers up the wall as far as you can and hold at the top for up to 30 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times 2-3 times per day.

Front Arm Raises 

Keep the shoulder down and lift your arm in front of you towards the ceiling as high as you can with your thumb pointing up. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat 5 times. Repeat this 3 times per day.

Side Arm Raises

This is similar to the previous exercise, except the arm is raised to the side. Keep the shoulder down, and do not allow yourself to raise it into a shrugging position. Instead, with your palm downwards, raise your arm to the side as high as you can. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat 5 times. Repeat this 3 times per day.

One important note is that, depending on your surgery, specific exercises may not be recommended. Therefore, it is essential to check with your orthopedic doctor to ensure you are only performing exercises that will benefit you and not cause additional complications.

Schedule Your First Appointment

If you are a Lancaster resident needing a rotator cuff tear specialist, schedule your first appointment today with Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group by clicking the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or by calling (866) 564-1000.