Are you wondering whether you may benefit from the help of an expert “shoulder doctor near me”? For residents of Pennsylvania, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group offer high-quality shoulder and elbow care so you can feel confident in your path to recovery.

Shoulder Doctor Near MeDr. Michael J Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University before receiving his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Society. Dr. Bercik is known for his attention to detail and outstanding patient care, and because of this, he was awarded the Mark D Chilton award for exceptional patient care.

In addition to his two international fellowships, Dr. Bercik completed a fellowship in Trauma and Reconstructive surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. In this fellowship, he learned the most advanced techniques for treating acute fractures, nonunions, malunions, infections, arthritis, and other post-traumatic complications. In addition to training under some of the most internationally recognized shoulder surgeons, this expertise gives Dr. Bercik the ability to combine traditional orthopedics techniques and offer his patients truly revolutionary care.

Common Sports Shoulder Injuries

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a structure in the shoulder made up of several tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. This structure allows the arm a wide range of mobility. However, such high levels of mobility mean the shoulder is more loosely held in place than many other joints.

Sports that commonly require repetitive overhead movements can easily damage the rotator cuff. The same is true for sports where athletes perform powerful overhand movements that put stress on the shoulders. This includes swimmers, tennis players, volleyball players, rock climbers, weightlifters, and baseball players.

Rotator cuff tears are generally characterized by pain, shoulder weakness, limited mobility, swelling, and stiffness. When these symptoms are observed, it is essential to seek treatment quickly to reduce healing time.

SLAP Lesions or Tears

Superior Labral Antero-Posterior (SLAP) tears are cartilage rips in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that goes around the shoulder socket. This is similar to rotator cuff tears in that they are most common in sports that include repetitive or powerful overhead movements.

This type of injury more commonly occurs from repetitive movements or direct impact. Signs of this injury include feeling the shoulder joint is loose or almost slipping out, pain, loss of power, swelling, a clicking, grinding, or popping sensation, and stiffness.

Bone Fractures

While soft tissue injuries are most common, the scapula can sometimes crack from high-speed injuries or abnormal stress on the area. This typically involves falling from considerable heights or being involved in a high-speed crash. When this type of injury happens, the shoulder must be immobilized and treated to ensure proper healing.

Let’s Begin!

Dr. Bercik is a leading orthopedic doctor and helps residents of Pennsylvania heal quickly and effectively from conditions of the shoulder and elbow. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints of the body and requires precise care to avoid unnecessary complications and prolonged rehabilitation time. To make your first appointment, use the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.