Think you might have symptoms of a rotator cuff tear? At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, Dr. Michael Bercik and our experienced team can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We want to see our patients succeed, and we are dedicated to helping them reach their potential.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in conditions of the shoulder and elbow. Dr. Bercik is renowned for his patient care and was awarded the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care practices. Outside of patient care, Dr. Bercik has continued to show his academic and practical prowess. He was the highest scorer in his residency program before he went on to complete three fellowships to master advanced techniques in shoulder surgery. This combination of experience and patient care has allowed Dr. Bercik to bring a new level of treatment to patients and provide a safe, collaborative, and compassionate environment at Lancaster Orthopedic Group.

Rotator Cuff FAQs

What is the rotator cuff?

Many people don’t have a firm understanding of the rotator cuff, despite it being one of the most important structures in the shoulder. Every time you lift your arm or move your arm away from your body, the rotator cuff is at play. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that keeps the ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) firmly inside of the shoulder socket. When you start to experience pain or instability in the shoulder, the rotator cuff is often involved.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

When the tendons in the shoulder separate partially or completely from the upper end of the humerus, this is a rotator cuff tear. This tear can be the result of overuse of the rotator cuff (such as from repetitive movements), or it can be from another injury.

Are rotator cuff tears common?

Rotator cuff tears are common, especially for athletes or professionals who perform repetitive overhead movements. Rotator cuffs happen to people of all ages; however, older adults are at a heightened risk.

What are the types of rotator cuff tears?

Rotator cuff tears can be partial tears or complete tears. Partial tears occur when the tendon does not separate completely from the bone. Complete tears occur when the tendon separates completely from the bone.

What are the causes of rotator cuff tears?

Rotator cuff tears can originate from many causes, such as collisions, broken collarbones, shoulder dislocations, and overuse. For older adults or those with degenerative diseases, tears can come from the wearing down of the tendons in the shoulder. This is most common in adults over the age of 40. Degeneration of the shoulder tissues can also occur from bone spurs, shoulder impingement syndrome, and decreased blood flow.

What increases the risk of rotator cuff tears?

While some rotator cuff tears aren’t preventable, certain risk factors can increase your risk of tears. Poor posture, smoking, playing sports with repetitive overhead movements (example: tennis, baseball, softball), and professions with repetitive overhead movements (example: carpenters, painters, mechanics) all increase chances of rotator cuff tears. Family history and age are also important factors.

Ready to Begin

Whether you have chronic pain or a new injury, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you treat your shoulder injury. We help patients with a wide range of conditions, such as rotator cuff tears, restore movements safely and effectively. To make your first appointment, click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.