The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, and having an experienced shoulder doctor can mean the difference between a quick recovery or prolonged motion restrictions. Dr. Michael J Bercik and our team specialize in shoulder and elbow conditions and can provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health. For patients in Lancaster, reach out to our Lancaster location today to get started.

As the son of an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bercik was genuinely born into this field. He has been recognized for his dedication to patient care and high-quality performance through multiple awards, including the Mark D. Chilton award for outstanding patient care and the annual Orthopaedic In-training Examination award for achieving the highest score in his residency program.

As a New Jersey native, Dr. Bercik and our team strive to bring outstanding care to the east coast. Lancaster residents should feel confident in trusting our team to provide the latest and most advanced methods in the field, including treatments for complications such as nonunions, malunions, infections, and arthritis.

How are Shoulder Injuries Treated Non-Surgically?

Once your shoulder injury is diagnosed, we will go through treatment options with you. When possible, we try to avoid surgical solutions to minimize downtime and damage to the tissue.

Non-surgical options we may suggest include, but are not limited to:

• Activity alterations to avoid aggravating the condition
• Reducing swelling by icing the area
• Taking medication to reduce swelling and inflammation (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)) such as ibuprofen
• Cortisone injections to the affected site can provide pain relief when NSAIDs are not enough and effectively reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy to help improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, mobility, and stability of the shoulder. An expert physical therapy routine can ensure that your shoulder is well-equipped to withstand the stresses and repetitive movements needed when you return to the sport.

How are Shoulder Injuries Treated Surgically?

Sometimes, surgery is the best option to promote healing and a quick recovery. We will discuss different surgical methods with you to find the best treatment option.

One of the most popular surgical treatment options is arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is when a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint and produces an image on a television screen within the operating room. The surgeon can then follow this image and treat the injury using very small surgical equipment. This minimizes the incision size and the damage to surrounding tissues. Arthroscopic surgery is often used for soft tissue injuries.

In some cases, open surgery is needed to best treat the area. This will require an incision a few centimeters long that can provide a better view of the area.

Our team will discuss each method with you and provide our recommendation, along with the reason why. We will also likely prescribe a rehabilitation routine post-surgery to avoid any complications and minimize any loss of strength or range of motion. Our goal is to have you at complete functionality once you are recovered and return to your pre-injury activities, including high-level athletics for many of our patients.

Let’s Get Started!

Finding a shoulder doctor in Lancaster, PA, you trust is no easy task. We take years of experience, combined with dedication to learning the latest techniques, to ensure our patients are receiving state-of-the-art care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bercik, please click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.