Interested in how a shoulder specialist may be able to help you improve your movement and reduce discomfort? Residents of Elizabethtown, PA, should schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Bercik for a comprehensive assessment and recovery plan. To create your first appointment, contact Lancaster Orthopedic Group today.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a graduate of Georgetown University and received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Following medical school, Dr. Bercik completed his residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA. During his residency program, Dr. Bercik’s dedication to excellence was recognized through the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care and the annual Orthopedic In-training Examination award for achieving the highest score in his residency program. Dr. Bercik realized his passion for helping patients achieve their best results following injuries and ailments to the shoulder and elbow, and completed three fellowships following his residency to learn advanced techniques in orthopedic traumatology and subspecialty training. 

Dr. Bercik is committed to being a leader in orthopedic traumatology, and he remains active in academia and research to keep up with the latest scientific methods. When patients visit Lancaster Orthopedic Group, they can feel confident that they will receive individualized attention and care plans, treatment with state-of-the-art equipment, and the latest techniques available to help them return to the activities they love.

Common Shoulder Injuries in Boxers

Boxers are at a higher risk for shoulder injuries than many athletes due to the high-velocity upper-body impacts required in the sport. Without proper form and training, shoulder injuries are common. However, even the most experienced boxers can experience shoulder injuries, and knowing the signs, it is time to seek medical treatment can help to avoid prolonged recovery periods. 

The most common shoulder injuries we see in boxers and their related symptoms are as follows:

Rotator cuff tear:  Rotator cuff tears involve tearing of the tendons that surround the upper arm bone, known as the humerus. These tendons are responsible for keeping the shoulder joint in place while allowing movement of the arm. When a rotator cuff tear occurs, you will likely experience pain when rotating the arm inwards, outwards, or moving the arm away from the body. In boxers, this most commonly occurs through a misplaced punch or overuse.

Rotator cuff tendonitis: When the tendons in the shoulder develop microtears, it can lead to pain and weakness when moving the upper arm. In boxers, this most commonly occurs through overuse and repeated tears.

Subacromial bursitis: When the small sacs known as the bursae become inflamed, it can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. The bursae typically cushion the shoulder joint and allow for comfortable movement of the arm. Inflammation of these sacs can quickly lead to movement restrictions. In boxers, overexertion is the most common cause.

Labrum tear: The labrum holds the humerus in place within the shoulder socket. Tears in this tissue can lead to instability in the shoulder and an increased risk of dislocation. This can lead to an increased risk of injury in boxers when throwing punches or sustaining impact. Tears in the labrum most often occur at the back of the shoulder for boxers and result from the impact of punches.

Let’s Get Started!

At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we help patients achieve their goals and find optimal movement. For residents of Elizabethtown looking to get started with Dr. Bercik, schedule your first appointment by clicking the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.